Point Loma Nazarene University Athletic Director Ethan Hamilton announced the hiring of Lisa Faulkner as the new head coach of the PLNU women's basketball team.

"We are thrilled to have Lisa as the new leader of our women's basketball program," Hamilton said. "She has had tremendous playing and coaching experiences that have formed a philosophy on and off the court that we believe to be a perfect fit for our program, department, and university."

Faulkner joins the Sea Lions after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach with Boston College. Faulkner's duties with the Eagles included the development of perimeter players, offensive strategy, and recruitment. Faulkner has also had coaching stops at the University of Denver (2008-2012), Northern Arizona University (2007-2008), and Vanguard (2005-2007). While at Vanguard, she helped guide the Lions to a record of 62-3 and two Final Four appearances.

"I want to thank Ethan Hamilton and the rest of the hiring committee for giving me this opportunity," Faulkner said. "I feel so blessed to get this opportunity to build on the successes of Coach Westphal here at PLNU. This is a dream job for me and I cannot wait to work with the people at Point Loma to carry out the vision and mission of the athletic department. 

"I am so grateful for the mentors that I have had along the way that have helped me to be ready to embark on this journey as a head coach. I cannot wait to start working with the team and to start growing together on and off the court."

Faulkner also has an extensive background on the court. She began her playing career under 2015 National Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Brad Smith at Oregon City High School, where she guided the Pioneers to two state titles. She was then recruited to play at UC Irvine, where she was an All-Big West honorable mention and set the school record for assists in a season. After her sophomore season, Faulkner transferred to Vanguard to finish out her playing career. While with the Lions she was a named the NAIA co-Player of the Year in 2005, a two-time All-American, and helped Vanguard reach the Elite Eight in both seasons. She graduated from Vanguard in 2005 with a 3.8 grade point average and a degree in sociology. She went on to earn her master's degree in professional studies from the University of Denver.

She will inherit a PLNU women's basketball team that went 19-10 in 2015-2016 and placed sixth in the PacWest Conference with a 12-8 record. The Sea Lions lost only one student-athlete from that team. PLNU will return its five starters in 2016-2017, including All-PacWest selections Madison West and Alex Brunk.

Faulkner will take over the program from retiring coach Bill Westphal, who spent the past 17 seasons at the helm of the PLNU program and posted a record of 357-181 (.664 winning percentage). 

--Point Loma Nazarene University