NEW ALBANY, IN (Nov. 28, 2012) – Robin Farris, IU Southeast women’s basketball head coach, is coaching his 700th game at IU Southeast on Saturday when the Grenadiers host Carlow University at 1 p.m.
Farris is in his 24th season at IU Southeast, and his 412 wins ranks ninth in the NAIA among active coaches. He has led the Grenadiers to 18 KIAC regular-season and tournament titles and seven NAIA tournament appearances.
A 1979 graduate of Tiffin University, Farris was the most valuable player (MVP), leading scorer, and captain of a team that captured the Mid-Ohio Conference basketball crown his senior season in college. He ranked eighth in scoring for the NAIA with an average of 26.8 points per game. After graduation he was named assistant basketball coach and head baseball coach at his alma mater.
In 1979, Farris embarked on a nine-year stint on the European basketball circuit; seven years as a player, and two as a coach. He played professionally for six years in England and one year in Scotland. Farris coached men’s and women’s Division I teams in Norway from 1986-88, and his 1988 women’s team captured the national junior title. Farris was recognized for all of his great work in 1995 when he was inducted into the Tiffin University Hall of Fame.
Farris started his coaching career at IU Southeast in 1989. His 2001-02 squad advanced to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. He has also been named KIAC Coach of the Year eight times.
Coach Farris also served 16 seasons as head coach of the IU Southeast volleyball program compiling a record of 328-193. IU Southeast volleyball took four trips to the NAIA National Tournament.
The Grenadiers host fellow KIAC newcomer Point Park University at 7 p.m. on Friday as part of a double header with the men’s team. The No. 11-ranked Grenadier men tipoff at 5 p.m.
Check out a gallery of Coach Farris through the years here.