Coach Tory Verdi

[Old Cage]

Young'uns on Twitter that are Collegian and/or WMUA folks are suggesting that Associate Head Coach Mike Leflar be named if Tory leaves.

After our experience with Bru (who is a friend), I would normally be reticent to make that move. We have seen many examples across various pro and college sports of how tough it is to follow the "best ever." However, Mike is in his 40's and this is his fifth stop, so I hope that he is duly considered.

[69MG]

Has anyone seen any salary info, UMass or Pitt for the Women's BB coach?

This article is a few years old but it mentioned that outgoing Pitt WBB coach Lance White earned $638,930 in 2021. Verdi is earning $382,500 here. Not going to be able to match what Pitt is able to pay.

We probably won't match it but I cannot believe the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cannot find $250,000 a year to support this University's Athletic Program.

[vanmeter]

I have a hard time considering Verdi the best ever. It is conceivable that had Breen (the best ever) not come here, he would have been let go years ago. It would (will) be interesting to see how successful he was without her.

[MikeUMA]

We probably won't match it but I cannot believe the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cannot find $250,000 a year to support this University's Athletic Program.

Can and Will are two very different words.

It's the on-going debate of how seriously the state prioritizes the state U and its athletics. I know money doesn't fall from the sky, and choices have to be made. It is what it is.

[LS71]

I hope that Bamford’s has started to give some thought as to what he’ll do if Vedi does leave.

[Floyd]

If he does go, who follows? Hate to see this team break up, there's enough good talent left here to stay atop the A10

[dennisdent]

Name Sam Breen the coach if she want the job. UNC field hockey just did this with their best player of all time.

https://alumni.unc.edu/news/the-goat-er ... key-coach/

[tdmass]

^ She's got a pro career before coaching, no question!

[kikoandjimmer]

If he does go, who follows? Hate to see this team break up, there's enough good talent left here to stay atop the A10

I would assume Taylor follows and probably the DE player of the year commit.

[Floyd]

You think Taylor would leave for her last year? I would hope she'd stay, seems she's the leader next year and could leave a good legacy here. Can't lose Swish

[Berkman]

If he leaves they should NOT move the assistant to head coach. They should do a search and bring in a coach from outside. Some of you might not agree with me but I think that would be the best way to go. Who knows the assistant just might go to Pitt with him.

[TruBluMaroon]

Thoughts about Harden entering Transfer Portal.

I wonder how Pitt evaluated TV’s view of Harden
as it relates to the fact he played her 3 games in 2 years. 7.5 minutes total…..

Verdi on Harden: "Natousha will be one of the most imposing post players in the Atlantic 10. Standing all of 6-foot-4, Natousha will anchor our defense and score in bunches around the basket and in transition. She has the ability to be one of the best centers to ever wear a UMass jersey. We expect big things from her."
Source - UMassAthletics.com / WBB player biography.

[kikoandjimmer]

You think Taylor would leave for her last year? I would hope she'd stay, seems she's the leader next year and could leave a good legacy here. Can't lose Swish

Trust my source 100% on this that Taylor would leave. Will elaborate when we know either way.

[MikeUMA]

Thoughts about Harden entering Transfer Portal.

I wonder how Pitt evaluated TV’s view of Harden
as it relates to the fact he played her 3 games in 2 years. 7.5 minutes total…..

Verdi on Harden: "Natousha will be one of the most imposing post players in the Atlantic 10. Standing all of 6-foot-4, Natousha will anchor our defense and score in bunches around the basket and in transition. She has the ability to be one of the best centers to ever wear a UMass jersey. We expect big things from her."
Source - UMassAthletics.com / WBB player biography.

That's text from when Harden signed, and nearly meaningless coachspeak. They always talk highly of recruits' potential. Sometimes it pans out, sometimes it doesn't.

[Old Cage]

Not Tory: https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2023/04 ... tball-job/