Trine University women's basketball interim head coach Andy Rang has been promoted to Head Coach announced today by the University and Matt Land, Assistant Vice President for Athletics.

Rang has been with the Thunder women's basketball program for the past seven seasons and began the 2018-19 campaign as interim head coach after serving the previous year as Associate Head Coach.

"I would like to thank Dr. Brooks, AD Matt Land and the board of trustees for their confidence in me to lead our women's basketball program," said Rang. "I am very grateful for their support during this season of transition."

"Coach Rang was an obvious choice to take over the women's basketball program as head coach," said Land. "His familiarity with the program as an assistant and associate head coach, will be an advantage as we transition. His leadership, knowledge of the game and past success will help continue to further advance the women's basketball program at Trine University."

Rang's game-planning and scouting abilities have played a pivotal role in the turnaround of the Trine program. In the last three seasons, the Thunder have vaulted up the conference ranks to the top of the MIAA.

In 2017-18, Trine won a school single-season record 26 games (26-4) on its way to a share of the MIAA regular-season title as well as an appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the second straight season. In the national tournament, the Thunder advanced to the "Sweet 16" for the first time in program history since joining the NCAA. Brandi Dawson repeated as the MIAA "MVP" and Div. III All-American, while Hayley Martin earned MIAA "Defensive Player of the Year" and All-Region honors for the second consecutive season. Trine ended the year ranked ninth overall in the nation in the final D3hoops.com and WBCA polls.

In 2016-17, Trine went on an historic run to its first NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament appearance. Along the way, the Thunder won its first MIAA Championship and first MIAA Tournament title. The team produced All-American and MIAA Most Valuable Player Brandi Dawson and MIAA Defensive Player of the Year Hayley Martin. Trine finished eighth in the nation in scoring defense. The team concluded the season ranked 17th by D3hoops.com and 18th by the WBCA.

"This would not have happened without the dedication and hard work of the fantastic young ladies I have the privilege of coaching every day," added Rang. "I would also like to thank my coaching staff for their loyalty and endless hours of preparation. I am truly excited for the rest of this season and the future of Trine Women's basketball."

Rang came to Trine University from IPFW where he served as Director of Operations for the women's basketball program for two seasons. During his time at IPFW, he was able to help the program win 20 games and advance to post season play, both first for the program since going Division 1.

Prior to IPFW, Rang spent five successful seasons as the Head Women's Coach at Fort Wayne South Side High School. During his five seasons with the Lady Archers, Rang led his team to four straight 20 win seasons, 3 sectional titles, 1 Regional Title and twice advancing to the Indiana 4A Elite Eight and once to the Final Four. His overall record at South Side was 98-24.

Rang also serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Trine University. He resides in Fort Wayne with his wife, Chandra. They have four children, Christian, Chandler, Carter and Avery.