Two major announcements dotted the NCAA landscape on Wednesday.
At Purdue, sophomore forward Dominique McBryde is the latest player to request a transfer. McBryde was a steadily developing asset for the Boilermakers, starting in 25 games last season. She averaged 6.7 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per game, including three double-doubles. Her highest statistical performance came in a regular season meeting with Illinois, netting 15 points and 12 rebounds.
McBryde is the second player to transfer out of Purdue this year, following Bree Horrocks, and the 14th player from the Big Ten Conference to depart in some capacity.
Also, Davidson announced the hiring of Gayle Coats Fulks as head coach for the women’s basketball program. The posting is the first head coaching assignment for Coats Fulks, who spent the last five season as an assistant for Wake Forest. She will be formally introduced at a press conference next Tuesday.
“It is a dream come true to be named the next head women’s basketball coach at Davidson,” Coats Fulks said in a statement published by the school. “I will work tirelessly to create a culture of excellence in everything that we do. I cannot wait to get started.”
Coats Fulks, 32, takes over a program who has struggled since their move to the Atlantic 10 three years ago. In that span, the Wildcats have a combined record of 22-67, including a 10-39 mark in conference play. The last time Davidson finished with a winning record was the 2012-13 season.
On the plus side, Coats Fulks will have a steady core at her helm. Next year’s Davidson team brings back their top four scorers, led by junior guard Justine Lyon.