Betsy Blose

Betsy Blose returns for her seventh season as head women's basketball coach just five wins shy of 100 career victories.

Under Blose, the women's basketball program has grown to new heights.

"We feel we have built a solid Division II program over the last few years. We take pride in not only being our best on the court, but off the court as well."

On the court in the last three seasons, the Rams posted a school record 20-7 mark last season and back-to-back 19-9 records in the previous two seasons. The run includes the school's first regular season basketball conference championship, and a three-year ranking in the Top 10 in the final East Regional Poll.

In 1999, the program captured the school's first (men's or women's) regular season championship, finishing with a 15-4 conference mark, also a school mark.

In 2000, the Rams, despite having to play on five different home courts after the Butcher Center floor sustained water damage, still tied a school record, finishing 19-9.

In 2001, Shepherd posted school records with a 20-7 overall mark and a 15-3 record in the WVIAC. The Rams led the WVIAC in scoring defense (58.7 ppg) and rebound margin (+8.6). The +8.6 rebounding margin was also fourth among NCAA II schools.

"Our goal every year is to compete for the WVIAC Championship. Our success is based on the pillars of defense and rebounding. We take a lot of pride in those two areas on the court."

Off the court the women's basketball team continues to shine in the classroom. The team boasts a 2.9 cumulative grade point average.

"We feel our program has a balance between basketball and books. We want our players to reach their potential as students. The greatest moment for me is when I see them walk across the stage with their diploma."

The Rams are also active in the community. The players have done volunteer work for the United Way and March of Dimes. Coach Blose, along with her staff and players, offers basketball clinics and summer camps. This year Blose has teamed with men's coach Ken Tyler in promoting Coaches vs. Cancer, a joint effort to raise funds to fight cancer sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

"Cancer affects us all. It has particularly hit home with our team and their families. We've decided to take on this Coaches vs. Cancer program to help in the fight against cancer."

Coaching Career

Shepherd College, 1995-2001 (Head Coach)

  • 95-68 record in six seasons

  • 71-43 WVIAC record (SC Record)

  • WVIAC Champions (1999)

  • WVIAC Coach of the Year (1999)

  • 15 conference wins (1999, 2001) school record

  • 20-7 overall record (2001) school record

  • NCAA Division II East Region Poll Final Ranking

  • 7th (1999)

  • 9th (2000)

  • 8th (2001)

  • Sam Marchio Sportsmanship Award Winner (1997, 1998, 2000)

  • Planet Basketball Assistant Coach (1999) Head Coach (2001)

  • Washington Mystics Assistant Coach (2000)

    James Madison University, 1987-95 (Assistant Coach)

  • NCAA Tournament (1988, 1989,1991)

  • NCAA Sweet 16 (1988, 1991)

  • Colonial Athletic Conference Champions (1988, 1989, 1995)

    Altavista High School, 1984-87 (Head Coach)

  • 69-5 record in three seasons

  • Seminole District Champions (1984, 1985, 1986)

  • Seminole District Coach of the Year (1984, 1986)

  • Virginia High School League All-Star Coach (1986)

    Playing Career

    James Madison University, 1980-84

  • Four-year scholarship player

  • Team captain (1983, 1984)

  • Johnston Senior Award for excellence in Kinesiology (1984)

  • Graduated magna cum laude (1984)

    If you would like additional information on the women's basketball program at Shepherd, contact:

    Betsy Blose
    Head Women's Basketball Coach
    Butcher Center
    Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443
    Phone: 800/344-5231 ext. 5170 | Fax: 304/876-3267
    bblose@shepherd.edu