From Shreveport to St. Mary's (Minn.)

David Foley, who went 14-37 in two seasons at Centenary (La.), will be the new head coach at St. Mary's (Minn.).
Centenary (La.) athletics photo

St. Mary's (Minn.) looked south -- way south -- for its new head women's basketball coach and found Centenary (La.) head coach David Foley.

Timothy Gossen, the University's Vice President for Mission and Student Life, announced the hiring via release on Aug. 15.

"Saint Mary's is very excited for David to join the Cardinal community," said Gossen in the school's release. "David brings a wealth of experience that we believe will translate to successful and highly competitive seasons. We are looking forward to great things from him."

Foley was the head coach at Centenary (La.) in Shreveport the last two seasons. The Ladies improved from 6-19 to 8-18 during Foley's short tenure there and qualified for the SCAC tournament for the first time last season.

"The opportunity to join the Saint Mary's family is an exciting one for many reasons," said Foley in the release. "First, it gives me a chance to get back to the Midwest and closer to my family. Second, through the hiring process, I found a campus and community where I felt at home and comfortable."

Before taking the job at Centenary, Foley was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for four seasons at Luther in Decorah, Iowa, which is less than 70 miles from St. Mary's campus in Winona, Minnesota. He was named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thirty under 30 list honoring young basketball coaches in 2016.

Foley replaces Brett Pollari who resigned to take the head coaching job at Division II Wayne State in June. The Cardinals finished 16-11, 10-8 in the MIAC last season.

St. Mary's opens the 2018-19 regular season against Simpson on Nov. 16.