ROCK HILL, SC—Winthrop head women's basketball coach Marlene Stollings announced the hiring of Kevin Cook as her top assistant. He is a former four-time WNBA world champion who has coached at all levels.
"I am elated to join Coach Stollings and the Winthrop family,” said Cook. “There were only a few scenarios that would lure me back to being an assistant coach and working with Coach Stollings was one of them. I first met Coach Stollings while recruiting her as a high school superstar in Ohio. Over the years, we have developed a tremendous respect for one another and have gained a strong camaraderie regarding our philosophies, goals, ideas and desire to win.”
Cook has been involved with women's basketball for over two decades and brings a wealth of coaching experience at the collegiate level.
“It's such a privilege to have someone as decorated as Coach Cook joining our coaching staff,” said Stollings. “His coaching accomplishments are phenomenal and his presence will be immeasurable. I have known Coach Cook for over 20 years and one thing has remained constant for as long as I have known him, he is a winner.”
Cook's experience goes beyond the collegiate level as he was on the staff for 11 years of the Houston Comets dynasty of the WNBA. The Comets captured the first four WNBA championships and made the playoffs nine out of the first 10 years. He also served as an assistant coach for the victorious West squad in the WNBA's first three All-Star games. For capturing its championships, Cook accompanied the Comets players and coaches to four different White House visits where the teams were recognized for their achievements. Cook was able to meet former president's George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during his time with the Comets. On July 23, 2011 the WNBA released its Top 15 players of All-Time list and four Comet players that Cook coached made the list (Sheryl Swoopes, Dawn Staley, Cynthia Cooper and Tina Thompson).
Prior to his arrival with the Houston Comets, Cook served as an Associate Head Coach for the University of Houston from 1995-97. From 1983-1993, Cooke was an assistant coach at the University of Kansas under Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, Marian E. Washington. During his time in Lawrence, KS, Cook helped the Jayhawks to four conference championships, four NCAA Tournament appearances and two WNIT berths.
He spent the past four seasons as the head coach of Gallaudet University, where he led his team to a 24-4 record during the 2010-11 season and was named the WBCA Region III Coach of the Year. Gallaudet is the world's only all-deaf college.
Cook's international coaching experience comes from having led the Nigeria women's basketball national team. He coached the Nigerian national team in the 2006 World Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil and in 2007 he helped guide the team to a 7-1 record for a Silver Medal at the All-Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria. The past five years Cook has visited six African countries hosting basketball fundamental clinics for coaches and players. In addition he's served as a coach for several traveling teams, including teams that traveled to Brazil and Russia, and coached a traveling team that defeated the 2001 University of Connecticut squad.
In addition to his 2011 WBCA Region III Coach of the Year award, Cook has received several other honors. On April 5, 2010 he was named the winner of the WBCA prestigious Carol Eckman Award, was inducted into the Urbana University Hall of Fame in October of 2010 and just this past May was the commencement speaker for Urbana University.
Stollings is excited about the player development skills that Cook brings to the staff. “Coach Cook is a relentless worker, recruiter, X and O guru and consummate student of the game. He will help us win championships for years to come. We excitedly welcome Coach Cook to our Winthrop Eagle family!"
“I am thrilled about this new opportunity to assist Coach Stollings and help the Lady Eagle program win championships,” added Cook. “These are exciting times at Winthrop University!”
