July 20, 2005
NORFOLK, Va. -- Head women's basketball coach Wendy Larry has named former Lady Monarch Marie Christian as the newest addition to her coaching staff as Old Dominion begins its quest for its 15th straight Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title in the upcoming 2005-06 season.
"I'm so excited to return home," said Christian. "I'm always talking about Old Dominion and hearing about the opportunity to return here, it was like a dream come true. I'm looking forward to once again working with Wendy Larry. In fact, the last time we worked together was a pretty memorable one...we brought home a NCAA championship trophy."
Christian is familiar to Lady Monarch fans having been a four-year starter on the Old Dominion women's basketball team from 1983-1987, which included the starting point guard role on ODU's third national championship title team in 1985. A two-time captain and the 1985 Sun Belt Conference MVP, her name can still be found in the record books listed third in all-time assists with 492, right behind Lady Monarch legends Nancy Lieberman and Ticha Penicheiro. As a freshman, Christian was named MVP of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and was invited to tryout for the United State Olympic Team.
Christian began her coaching career in 1992 serving as an assist at Western Illinois followed by stints at the University of Dayton and the University of California. While at the University of California, she assisted her former Old Dominion coach and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member Marianne Stanly. She has held a wide variety of roles as an assistant coach including recruiting coordinator, scouting coordinator, strength and conditioning, and assisting with marketing strategies to promote fan interest.
Prior to joining the Lady Monarch coaching staff, Christian has spent time in the corporate world in sales and marketing with nationally recognized companies Liberty Mutual Insurance and Federal Express. Additionally, Christian spent two years working with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks as a Sales and Marketing Executive.
The Lady Monarchs wrapped up the 2004-05 season with a 22-9 overall record and danced on to their 14th straight and 22nd overall NCAA Tournament. The 2005-06 version of the Old Dominion women's basketball team will return four starters and 10 letterwinners. Additionally, they will welcome back Corrina Turner (Miami, Fla.) and Paula Muxiri (Luanda, Angola) from injuries along with transfer Tamara Ransburg (St. Louis, Mo.).