Fennelly named to Naismith Coach of the Year late-season watch list

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – There have been many contributors to the outstanding success of the No. 6 Iowa State women’s basketball team in 2021-22, and today head coach Bill Fennelly got some much-deserved recognition, being named to the Late Season Watchlist for the Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year. Fennelly is one of 15 members of the Late Season Watchlist.

In a career that has had many moments of unprecedented success, Fennelly’s Cyclones of 2021-22 have raised even higher standards so far, with more opportunities to come. Entering tonight’s contest against No. 14 Texas in Austin, the Cyclones are 21-3 for the first time in program history and lead the Big 12 with a 10-2 conference record. Fennelly’s work has the Cyclones in contention for their first Big 12 regular-season title since 1999-00.

The success has come against high-quality opponents, with ISU being one of 11 teams nationally to have at least seven wins over teams in the NCAA’s NET Top 50.

The National Semifinalists for the Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year will be announced on March 9, with the list narrowed to four finalists on March 24 before the announcement of the winner on April 2.

Fennelly and his Cyclones are in action tonight at No. 14 Texas at 7 p.m.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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