Point Loma Nazarene University women’s basketball team has a new head coach. The PLNU website announced today that Lisa Faulkner will replace retiring coach Bill Westphal.
Faulkner spent the last four seasons as assistant coach at Boston University where her specialty was recruitment, perimeter players and offensive strategy. The Eagles finished 14th in the ACC with a 2-14 conference record and 15-16 overall.
Before joining BC, Faulkner coached at the University of Denver (2008-2012), Northern Arizona University (2007-2008) and Vanguard (2005-2007). But her experience isn’t just on the sidelines. Faulkner played high school basketball at Oregon City High School where she helped lead the Pioneers to two state titles.
After high school she played for the University of California Irvine setting the school-record for assists in a season and garnering an All-Big West honorable mention before transferring to Vanguard following her sophomore season. At Vanguard Faulkner was a two-time All-American helping the Lions reach the Elite Eight both season and was named NAIA co-Player of the Year in 2005.
Faulkner told PLNU’s athletics site that she’s, “Grateful for the mentors that I have had along the way 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.”
The Sea Lions finished sixth in the PacWest Conference with a 19-10 overall and 12-8 conference record in 2015-16. All five starters will return including Madison West and Alex Brunk who were All-PacWest selections.
Faulkner takes over for former coach Bill Westphal who retired after 17 seasons with PLNU. Under Westphal, the Sea Lions were 357-181 with nine 20-plus win seasons.
