Stetson formally introduces Melissa DeVore as women's basketball coach
A new era has been ushered in by Stetson women's basketball. Head coach Melissa DeVore took the stand at her introductory press conference Tuesday.
DELAND — The Melissa DeVore era for Stetson’s women’s basketball team officially began last week when the former Coker University head coach moved to DeLand from Hartsville, South Carolina. On April 14, DeVore was formally introduced as the Hatters’ new head coach in front of a crowd of boosters, players and staff at the Edmunds Center, her new home court. “Honestly, I’ve been here for four days.
I have never been in one place where people are so nice, so friendly, so welcoming, just really encouraging and has made my transition easier,” DeVore said to the crowd. “It wasn’t easy to leave where I was at, but you guys have really made it special, so thank you for that. ” DeVore was named as the Hatters’ successor to Lynn Bria , the 18-year honcho and winningest coach in program history, on April 2 after spending six seasons at Division II Coker, leading the Cobras to a 96-72 record.
But now she’s made the move to the Division I ranks, and the seeds of the program DeVore is trying to build at DeLand’s flagship university have been planted. “We talked a little bit in the locker room the other day about the system,” DeVore said to the seven returning Hatters next season. “I don’t want you to be afraid of playing fast and defending.
I think you’re going to enjoy this, and I know that you guys are going to enjoy the system, the process. The way that we play is fun. It’s fan friendly, and I can’t wait to get going.