NKU hires Thomas More coach to lead its women's basketball program

Jeff Hans is moving eight miles east and one division higher as he leaves from one local women’s basketball college team to another.

Northern Kentucky University on Monday named Hans as its new head coach, replacing Camryn Volz, who was 106-126 in eight seasons at the helm.

Hans is moving after 13 seasons at Thomas More University, where he led the women’s basketball program to new levels of success. Hans guided the Saints to an 339-42 record (.889), eight conference regular season titles, eight conference tournament titles, 11 national tournament berths, including two NCAA Division III National Championships, one NAIA National Championship, and two NAIA National Runners-up.

This past season was TMU’s first at the NCAA Division II level and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The Saints recorded an overall record of 18-11 on the season and a G-MAC record of 13-7.

"Jeff's track record of success speaks volumes," NKU president Dr. Cady Short-Thompson said in a press release. "He supports his student-athletes both on and off the court, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their growth and triumphs. With deep roots in the community, I am confident he will lead NKU's women's basketball program to new heights."

Also in the press release, Hans added: ""I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead the Northern Kentucky University women's basketball program...We look forward to creating a positive culture through integrity, trust and gratitude that will lead to success on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. We cannot wait to get started! Norse Up!"

In a press release from Thomas More, athletic director Terry Connor said: "I want to thank Coach Hans for being a great person and coach who has led Thomas More women's basketball to national prominence. He has brought National Championships to Thomas More, but more importantly has graduated young women who will make a positive impact on society. I am excited for Jeff and the opportunity he has at NKU; they could not have made a better choice."

Hans spent five seasons previously as a member of the NKU staff under longtime head coach Nancy Winstel, when the Norse were a Division II program.

Hans spent four years as a head girls basketball coach in Kentucky, coaching at Lexington Catholic from 2006-08 and St. Henry from 2004-06. In his four years as a high school head coach, Hans had an 89-34 record and won two district titles and finished as regional runner-up twice.

He was also an assistant at Division I Indiana State University from 2002-2004, graduate assistant at NKU from 2001-2002 and an assistant at Wilmington College from 1999-2001.Hans, a 1999 graduate from Wilmington College helped his teams go a combined 168-67 (.714) in his eight years as an assistant at the collegiate level.

NKU will introduce Hans during a press conference 1 p.m. Monday.

The Enquirer will update this story

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NKU hires Thomas More coach to lead its women's basketball program