ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Joni Crenshaw, Andy Landers' top assistant the last three years, was named Sunday to succeed him as the Georgia women's basketball coach.
Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said Crenshaw was selected as only the second full-time coach in school history.
''After a national search, it became evident that Joni was the perfect person to lead our program,'' McGarity said. ''Joni brings the intangibles that parallel success - character, experience and a tireless energy to lead our program. We are confident she will do a tremendous job leading Georgia basketball into the future.''
Landers retired on March 16 after 36 seasons. He was 862-299 at Georgia, including five Final Four appearances. He was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Crenshaw joined Landers' staff in 2011. She was associate head coach the last three seasons.
Crenshaw worked as an assistant at LSU, Alabama, Louisiana Tech and Troy. She was a two-year starter at Alabama.
''I have been fortunate to have learned under a great coaching tree and have great mentors along the way,'' Crenshaw said. ''I want to thank Coach Landers for all that he has done for me since I have been under his tutelage. The trust and responsibility he gave me definitely prepared me for the next step in my career but more importantly his friendship means the world to me.''
Landers said the program ''is in great hands'' with Crenshaw.
''Coach Crenshaw is a person who has deep-rooted values and morals, which are two of the cornerstones of Georgia basketball's success,'' Landers said. ''Her appreciation for the total development of young women is second to none and her past experiences have prepared her for the challenges ahead. I am confident she will do extremely well.''
Crenshaw is engaged to marry Darius Taylor, an assistant coach for the South Carolina women's team, on Aug. 1.
