ALTOONA, Pa. – Penn State Altoona athletics has announced
Casey Shoup as its head coach of varsity women's basketball for the
2013-2014 season. Shoup was an assistant coach for the team during
the past two years.
She replaces Donna Kling, whose stint at Altoona ended this past season. The Lions were 3-22 this past season and 80-127 (.386) in Kling's eight years of coaching.
"Having been an assistant coach for the team, Casey is familiar with our women's basketball program and many of the student-athletes," said Penn State Altoona athletic director Fredina M. Ingold. "She has been recruiting and working hard in preparation for the upcoming season, and I am sure she will continue to move the women's basketball program in a positive direction. I look forward to working with her."
Shoup has a strong basketball background in the region. She graduated from Altoona Area High School, where she was a member of the varsity girls basketball team from 1996-1999. During her time at AAHS, she helped the Lady Lions win a District 6 AAAA championship and finish as state finalists in 1998.
Shoup continued her playing career at Juniata, where she was a three-year starter and ranks eighth all-time in three-point field goals and seventh all-time in assists. She graduated from Juniata with a degree in education/business management.
"I'm truly grateful and excited to be chosen as the new head women's basketball coach at Penn State Altoona," said Shoup. "To have the opportunity to be a positive influence on these wonderful student-athletes and to share my knowledge and passion for the game is simply awesome. I'm appreciative of all the support that my family, friends, and the Penn State Altoona athletics department have given me."
Shoup's coaching experience began in 2009, when she was an assistant coach with the Bellwood-Antis High School varsity girls basketball team for two years. She went on to coach with the PA Pride girls basketball program, where she currently serves as a head coach. She also volunteers as an AAU basketball coach.
"I will motivate and encourage these athletes to reach individual and team goals by instilling a committed work ethic," said Shoup. "I believe this upcoming season will be a very successful and rewarding one."
Penn State Altoona women's basketball opens its 2013-14 season on the road Friday, Nov. 15 in the University of Mary Washington Tournament. Their home opener is Wednesday, November 20 at 6 p.m. against St. Vincent.