"Lisa is an excellence-driven person. She was an outstanding player at Union and an academic All-American. Now she's working diligently on her doctorate," Blackstock explains. "I can't think of many ways a growing, college-age woman couldn't look at Lisa and say, 'This is what I would like to get to.

Her wealth of experience on and off the court makes Hutchens the ideal person to coach the Lady Bulldogs, Blackstock says.

Since graduating from Union in 1983, Hutchens has earned her Master of Education in Physical Education and Health and has worked for two years on a Doctor of Higher Education Administration. Along with her studies, Hutchens has also worked with the University of Memphis Lady Tigers program and spent six years coaching women's basketball at the high school level. In 1991, Hutchens returned to Union as Instructor of Health and Physical Education and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach.

Hutchens describes her coaching style as "intense" and says she likes "to get things organized and get down to business.

She's also picked up a few lessons from Blackstock. "I've learned to be a little more low-key, and I've realized that you have to let the kids play. The less pressure you put on them, the better they'll perform," Hutchens says.

Hutchens will be Co-head Coach with Blackstock for one season and then become the team's Head Coach when Blackstock steps down from coaching at the end of the upcoming season. Blackstock will remain Union's Athletic Director.