Tim Grove named women's hoops coach
Posted by Judy Riley on Tuesday, Jul. 18, 2006
Event Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 18, 2006
Tim Grove has been named interim head women’s basketball coach at the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM), it was announced by UMM Athletic Director Mark Fohl. Grove replaces Cougar women's basketball head coach Randi Peterson. Peterson will be head women’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a move that takes her back to family and her Iowa roots.
Athletic Director Mark Fohl stated, “We are committed to continuing the tremendous progress we’ve seen in our women’s basketball program. We’re very pleased to have someone with Coach Grove’s skill and experience leading us in this time of transition.”
Grove has been the head boys’ basketball coach at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School in central Minnesota since 2002. Grove was head men’s basketball coach at Rainy River Community College (International Falls) from 1999-2002 where he rebuilt a struggling basketball program. He led the Rainy River Voyageurs to the Minnesota Community College state tournament in his second year at the helm. Grove served as an assistant coach at Mayville (N.D.) State University for three years from 1995-1999. He has also led numerous boys' and girls' basketball camps.
Grove received his master's degree in kinesiology from the University of North Dakota in 1999. He completed his undergraduate work at Fergus Falls Community College and Mayville State University. A standout athlete, Grove was team captain in basketball and football for the Mayville State University Comets. Grove also excelled off the court and was recognized as an Academic All-American and Student of the Year.
Grove was unanimously recommended for the interim role by the search committee. Tracey Anderson, UMM’s faculty athletic representative, stated, “We are very fortunate to have found a coach with such great experience who is a good fit for UMM. I am looking forward to another exciting season of women's basketball under Tim Grove's leadership." In addition to Anderson, Tom Johnson, former faculty athletic representative Heather Pennie, head volleyball and softball coach/senior woman's administrator and Nikita Warren, member of the women's basketball team, joined Fohl as the search committee for the interim head coach position.
A comprehensive national search will begin during fall semester for the ongoing appointment for head coach. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sandy Olson-Loy stated, “Our women’s basketball program is in an exciting time of growth and success. Great students are coming to UMM to learn and play ball. We’re committed to continuing the growth and development of this program.”
The 2005-06 Cougar women were Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) contenders with a 10-4 record in the league. Peterson was named UMAC Coach of the Year after leading the team to their first-ever UMAC post-season tournament.
Practice for the new season begins in October. The Cougars open the 2006-07 women’s basketball season November 17 at the Valley City Classic. Fohl noted, “We have a strong, talented team of returning athletes and new recruits.”
A native of Grey Eagle, Minn., Tim is the younger brother of Cougar men’s basketball head coach Paul Grove and becomes the fourth Grove to pass through the doors of the UMM P.E. Center. Their younger brother, Josh, played basketball at UMM, graduating in 2005. Older brother, Chris, played Cougar football in the early 1990s. Tim and his wife, Kristin, have one daughter, Madelyn.
"I am very excited to become a part of the University of Minnesota, Morris," said Grove. The women's basketball program is certainly on the rise and I look forward to building upon the success the program has recently established."
