GRAND FORKS — In the matter of a few days, the UND women's basketball program's season was extended and so was the contract of its head coach.
UND announced Tuesday a contract extension for Mallory Bernhard, who will lead the Fighting Hawks into the WBI tournament this weekend in Lexington, Ky.
Bernhard's new contract will run through the 2025-26 season. UND announced earlier Tuesday head men's basketball coach Paul Sather will also be extended through the 2025-26 season.
"It meant so much to me as an alumna to be given the opportunity to lead this program, and it means even more to know that our administration believes in the direction we're headed," Bernhard said. "I am incredibly grateful for this continued opportunity and will continue to pour my heart and soul into this program. We have an unbelievable group of young women that represent the University of North Dakota women's basketball so well both on and off the court and we will continue to strive to make our fans, alumni as as University proud."
In the 2022-23 season, UND finished a program-best third in the Summit League standings with an 11-7 league mark. UND was also 13-1 at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.
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After going 2-19 during the pandemic-altered season, Bernhard led UND to season win totals of 15 in 2021-22 and 18 in 2022-23.
"Knowing we were 2-19 (in 2020) and now we're playing beyond the regular season and the conference tournament is a testament to our players more than anything," said Bernhard. "They've busted their butts and they do things right on and off the floor.
"This is the direction we want to program to go."
Her leadership has been impressive, according to Chaves.
"I look forward to having Mal continue to lead our women's basketball program," Chaves said. "The passion and desire she exudes to make our program and UND the best it can be is contagious."
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