ROCK HILL, SC – Winthrop women's basketball head coach Lynette Woodard has announced the hiring of Deborah Newkirk as the team's newest assistant coach.

"It's great to be a Winthrop Eagle," Newkirk said.  "I'm excited to help guide, teach and motivate the players and work alongside a highly professional, positive and hard-working staff.  Under the leadership of coach Woodard, this will be a journey of excellence on and off the court."

Newkirk, a Kansas native, comes to Winthrop after spending the last 10 years running her own business, Coach 'Em Up, that offers volleyball and basketball training for young athletes in the Austin, Texas area.  Since 2009, in addition to her own business, Newkirk has been a camp consultant and facilitator at the University of Texas, University of Virginia and Southern Methodist University as well as a Curriculum and Product Developer for the Austin Independent School District.

Prior to starting her own business, Newkirk worked for Kirby High School in Austin, Texas from 2006-2010, where she taught in the Physical Education department as well as working in admissions and with the fundraising and development department.

From 1999-2006, Newkirk was the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the Episcopal School of Dallas.  She spent one season at the University of Kanas as an assistant in the 1998-1999 season.  Her coaching career started in 1988 as she coached in various high schools until 1997.

"Coach Newkirk's experience and knowledge in coaching and teaching the game of basketball will help guide our young team this season," Woodard said.  "Her enthusiasm and passion is second to none and she will bring a spirit of cohesiveness and commitment that compliments the culture we are building."

Newkirk earned her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Pittsburg State University in 1986 and two years later earned her Master's in Physical Education from Pittsburg State.