The Wisconsin women's basketball team shares holiday traditions, wishes and memories
Stacy Cantley joins the Wisconsin women's basketball staff as an assistant coach after serving as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech for the last seven years. Cantley coached with UW head coach Bobbie Kelsey for three seasons from 2004-07. The Hokies advanced to three post-season tournaments, including two NCAA tournament appearances. Tech advanced to the second round of the post-season classic in 2005 and 2006. Cantley coached two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference honoree Kerri Gardin and Nari Daiwara, the highest WNBA draftee in Virginia Tech history.
"I am so excited to be a part of the Wisconsin program," said Cantley. "When I came on my interview, everyone I met there was wonderful. Obviously, there is a lot of support for the women's basketball program and for the athletic department in general. I am just very happy to be a part of that.
"Bobbie and I go way back. I love her enthusiasm - it is so contagious with everyone involved in the program. We both have the same philosophy. She is so dedicated to women's basketball and the players. I am excited, honored and blessed to have this opportunity to work with her again."
Cantley coached for three seasons at Western Carolina from 2001-04. The Catamounts won 21 games in 2002-03 behind first-team All-Southern Conference selection Jennifer Gardner. Prior to Western Carolina, Cantley coached at her alma mater, UNC Wilmington, for three seasons, aiding the Seahawks to the championship game of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament in 2000 with an 18-12 record.
A native of Beckley, W.V., Cantley earned her bachelor's degree in physical education in 1999 from UNC Wilmington, where she was a four-year letterwinner in basketball. She finished her career at Wilmington on the school's top 10 all-time list in rebounds.
"The hiring of Stacy Cantley is another valuable addition to my staff as she brings enormous coaching experience," said Kelsey. "Stacy not only has experience coaching and recruiting at the highest level of women's basketball but she was also an aggressive and tough post player during her playing days at UNC Wilmington.
"It is my expectation that she will coach our posts to embody this same level of toughness as well as recruit student-athletes who will model this mentality. The faith and trust I have in her work ethic and ability to promote the greatest standard of excellence here at Wisconsin will make for a very smooth transition for our program."
