COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - Iowa Western Women's Basketball Head Coach Mitch Rolls has accepted the Head Women's Basketball Coaching position at NJCAA Division 1 Chipola College in Marianna, FL as announced by the school today.
"Congratulations to Coach Rolls, we are looking forward to following his career," said Iowa Western President Dr. Dan Kinney. "He has taken the Reiver Women's Basketball to the next level over the past year."
Rolls leaves the Reivers after just one season at the helm of the women's basketball program, taking the program to its 9th appearance in the NJCAA national tournament and first at the division 2 level this past year.
"I'd like to thank Dr. Kinney and Shane Larson for the opportunity to come to Iowa Western this year," said Coach Rolls. "It was a wonderful opportunity for me and my family to come to a great place like Council Bluffs. The community embraced us like one of their own and made us feel comfortable from day one."
Ending this past season with a 33-4 record, the team won the ICCAC Region 11-B championship and the North Central District B title to reach the national tournament, where they finished in 6th place.
"This year's group of players was extremely special and gave me the most memorable season of my coaching career," mentioned Rolls. "They were a group of high-character young women who persevered through many obstacles this season. I couldn't be more thankful and proud of all their accomplishments.
Iowa Western set a new school record for wins in a season despite having just 8 healthy players. Coach Rolls helped lead the team to a perfect 17-0 record at Reiver Arena, continuing the home winning streak that now stands at 43, dating back to December 8th, 2021.
"Even though Coach Rolls' time with us was short he left a lasting impact on our women's basketball program," said Athletic Director Shane Larson. "We want to wish him and his family all the best in this new opportunity."
McKenna Minter became the first NJCAA Basketball Player of the Year in school history under Coach Rolls. The Freshman from Lincoln, NE led the country in points scored with 746, and set a new IWCC record for assists iin a season with 208.
"I would also like to thank all the host families, fans, and employees here at Iowa Western," added Rolls, "The love and support our women's basketball players received this year was second to none. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity Iowa Western gave me and will continue to support the program from afar. Sails Up!"
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
