Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced Tuesday that head women’s basketball coach Tracey Dorow has signed a contract extension through the 2017-2018 season.

“I’m pleased with the progress that has been made. The team has welcomed two strong recruiting classes to campus with a third on the way. They made strides throughout the season, including a victory over the fourth-seeded team in the Horizon League Championship. Furthermore, Coach Dorow is an excellent ambassador of Valparaiso University and has created a positive culture in her team that provides a quality student-athlete experience,” LaBarbera said.

Meredith Hamlet was named to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team this past March, the second women’s basketball player to receive such a nomination in as many seasons. Dani Franklin was elected to the 2014-2015 squad after pacing the Crusaders in scoring. Franklin’s 11.5 points per game average through her first two seasons presently ranks as the seventh-highest in program history. 

Amber Lindfors and Hannah Schaub joined Hamlet as regulars in the starting rotation this past year. Lindfors recorded 71 blocked shots in her rookie campaign, the second-highest total by a Valpo women’s basketball player in a single season.  Schaub accumulated 101 assists and 32 steals, both team watermarks, in her first season with the Brown and Gold.

Next season will be Dorow’s fifth at the helm of the Valparaiso University women’s basketball program. This year’s club obtained double-digit victories for the first time since 2012-2013. The Crusaders won five games in Horizon League play in addition to defeating #4 Detroit in the Horizon League Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“The administration has been very supportive and I’m grateful that they’re allowing us to build this program the right way. It’s what makes Valpo so special. I believe in this place and the people here,” Dorow said.