Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Valparaiso University head women's basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced the hiring of Abby Scharlow as an assistant coach for the Crusader program.

Scharlow arrives at Valpo after having played professionally in Finland last season, where she was named the Finnish Guard of the Year. She helped lead Team Catz of Lappeenranta to the playoffs for the first time in team history playing in Division I.

The New Albany, Ind. native also has played professionally for the San Diego Siege, helping lead the team to the National Women's Basketball League championship in 2006. She also played for Club D.C. of Kastoria in Greece in 2005.

“We are excited to have Abby in our program," Freeman said. “I think that she will be able to relate well to our players because of her successful collegiate and professional playing experience."

Scharlow played at UW-Green Bay from 2001-2005 where she competed on a nationally-ranked team which won three consecutive Horizon League titles and earned three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. A two-time First Team All-Horizon League selection, she was a Street & Smith All-America Honorable Mention pick in 2003-2004.

An All-Newcomer Team pick for the Horizon League as a freshman, Scharlow was also twice named to the league's All-Tournament Team, including being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2004 Tournament.

As a prep player at New Albany High School, Scharlow was named to the Indiana All-Star Team in 2000.

“I am really excited to be here," Scharlow said. “With the move to the Horizon League, I think the program is set to do some great things."

Scharlow replaces Andie Bloodworth, who departed Valpo to take an assistant coaching position at Liberty University.

In addition to hiring Scharlow, Freeman has announced that Greg Kirby has been promoted to associate head coach and Meredith Baugher has been promoted to assistant coach/recruiting coordinator.