Advertisement

Memorial University hires new head coach for women's basketball team

Memorial University has found a new head coach for its Sea-Hawks women's basketball team.

Mark English, who's originally from Branch, on the Avalon Peninsula, will officially step into the position on June 8.

He replaces Doug Partridge, who coached the team for 22 years, and had drawn attention for his controversial coaching style.

Partridge was sidelined on Nov. 15 after MUN's athletics department said it would be reviewing "inappropriate" behaviour displayed at a game.

He was suspended again a week later for making derogatory comments about a referee following a Sea-Hawks game at the MUN Field House.

In March, it was announced that Partridge was no longer with the Sea-Hawks.

English has ties to N.L. basketball

Last year, English coached the University of Prince Edward Island's women's basketball team, making it their most successful season in more than 10 years.

He was also previously the assistant coach for the men's basketball program at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont.

English also has strong ties to basketball in Newfoundland and Labrador. He has had a hand in coaching the provincial team and the Gonzaga High School team, and served as an assistant coach to the Sea-Hawks' men's team. He also previously played on the latter as a student athlete for three years.

English is expected to announce his coaching staff in the near future.