Missy West takes over a D-II program that went 20-10 last season and made its first NCAA trip. Hartwick athletics photo

St. Leo has announced the appointment of Hartwick women's basketball coach Missy West as the school's new women's basketball coach. 

St. Leo is a Division II school in Florida.

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At Hartwick, West had taken over a program that had gone 7-18 the previous season and went 95-64 over six seasons, including a combined 66-20 in her final three.

"I know it is an often used line, but Melissa West was the simply the best fit for Saint Leo and how we want to be represented on the court, in the classroom and around the community," said athletic director Francis X. Reidy. "Through this process she has exemplified our values of excellence, respect and integrity.  Her passion for success, but in the context of developing the full potential of her student-athletes in all phases was very evident."

West has a proven track record with ten years of coaching experience in NCAA Division III as well as NAIA. Her resume also boasts success as a Division I women's basketball player at Duke University in addition to experience playing professionally in Germany. 

"I am thrilled to work with the fantastic administration, great coaches within the athletic department, and all of the dedicated student-athletes," said West of the appointment. "Through the hard work of our current players, the incoming players and the devoted recruiting efforts by our staff, we look forward to building a tradition of high standards and excellence, on and off the court, that everyone at Saint Leo can be proud of."

Serving as the head coach for the Hartwick Hawks during the past six seasons in which she compiled a record three-straight 22-win seasons, two NCAA Tournament appearances, an Eastern College Athletic Conference title, and two trips to the Empire 8 Conference championship game. During the 2011-12 season, West led her squad to its first-ever trip to the Empire 8 Championship game, while also earning Empire 8 Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year honors. 

"As exciting as her starting a new chapter with Saint Leo is, she wanted to make sure her departure from Hartwick and its community was completed with the class and dignity," said Reidy. "We respect how this transition has gone to make sure she was able to meet with her players in person."