Valparaiso University women's basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced the hiring of Greg Kirby as an assistant coach for the 2006-2007 season.

Kirby comes to the Crusaders from Valparaiso High School where he has served as the head girls' coach since 1990. In his 16 seasons with the Vikings, he posted an impressive 324-58 record (.848) winning the Duneland Conference title 12 times. He led Valparaiso to 12 sectional crowns, eight regional championships, and five Final Four appearances. Twice the Vikings finished state runner-up.

?We feel very fortunate to have someone of Greg Kirby's ability to join our staff at Valparaiso University," Freeman said. ?What he has accomplished while at Valpo High School is remarkable."

In 1996, Kirby was named the state Coach of the Year by the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association, an organization that named him district Coach of the Year three times. He also was named district Coach of the Year four times by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association.

?Greg is a perfect fit for our program," Freeman added. ?He has a great basketball mind and is passionate about coaching and being at Valpo. He has many ties to the coaches in Indiana and he is a tremendous addition to our staff."

Prior to arriving at Valparaiso High School, Kirby was the boys' varsity coach at Portage High School for nine seasons from 1978-1987 where he posted a 115-86 mark. Combined coaching both boys and girls, he has tallied 439 victories and a .753 winning percentage.

?As we work to be the basketball program people in Northwest Indiana think about, Greg is a perfect person to help us in obtaining this," said Freeman. His ties to Northwest Indiana will help us as we continue to recruit in the area and build a program that people in Northwest Indiana can be proud of."

Kirby replaces Jon Cain, who left the program for personal reasons.