Former Gallaudet coach takes D-I job

Winthrop athletic director Tom Hickman has announced that Kevin Cook, a veteran collegiate and WNBA coach for more than two decades, has been named the new Winthrop women's basketball head coach replacing Marlene Stollings who left after one year to accept the head coaching position at VCU.

Cook resigned from Gallaudet nearly a year ago, for personal reasons. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about three and a half years ago, thouhg it was not clear if Cook's resignation was related.

Cook compiled a 47-56 record (.456 winning percentage) at Gallaudet in four seasons where half of the 47 wins came last season as the Bison posted a 24-4 record. The team began the year 20-0, the best start in program history that dates back to 1896, and finished the season in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999. The 24 wins tied the program record set by the 1998-99 team.

Cook's experience goes beyond the collegiate level as he was on the staff for 10 years of the Houston Comets dynasty of the WNBA. The Comets captured the first four WNBA championships and made the playoffs nine out of the first 10 years. He also served as an assistant coach for the victorious West squad in the WNBA's first three All-Star games. For capturing its championships, Cook accompanied the Comets players and coaches to four White House visits where the teams were recognized for their achievements.

Prior to his arrival with the Houston Comets, Cook served as associate head coach for the University of Houston from 1995-97. From 1983-1993, Cooke was an assistant coach at Kansas under Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, Marian E. Washington. During his time in Lawrence, Cook helped the Jayhawks to four conference championships, four NCAA Tournament appearances and two WNIT berths.