BOULDER ? Former University of Colorado women's basketball standout Tracy Tripp is returning to her alma mater, and former team, as the Director of Basketball Operations head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller announced Monday.
Tripp, who officially began her duties Aug. 1, replaces Ann Strother who has decided to continue her professional playing career in Europe.
“I am ecstatic to return to Boulder and once again be part of the Colorado program,” Tripp said. “I'm excited to be working with a dedicated and experienced staff, in one of the best conferences in the country.”
A native of Fort Collins, Colo., Tripp was a four-year letterwinner for the Buffaloes from 1985-89 and remains prominent on CU's career charts. She is the eighth leading scorer in team history with 1,574 career points and ranks third in minutes played (3,960), fourth in field-goals made (654) and assists (443) and 10th in steals (174) on the school's all-time lists. Tripp's 38-point scoring effort against Oklahoma State on Feb. 4, 1987, is tied for the school single-game record and she also holds single-game marks for field-goals made and attempted (17-for-32 against OSU) and field-goal percentage (11-of-11 against Wyoming on Dec. 2, 1986). She was a key figure on CU's initial NCAA Tournament team in 1988, averaging 12.5 points and nearly four assists per game as a junior.
A 1987 second team All-Big Eight Conference selection, and three-time Academic All-Big Eight pick, Tripp is also a two-time Colorado Sportswoman of the Year. Her first honor came as a prep following her senior year at Fort Collins High School in 1985, and the second after her senior season at CU.
Tripp graduated from with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and earned her teaching certificate from Colorado in 1990.
“As a former CU player, I'm impressed with the direction the program is headed,” Tripp said. “I look forward to reaching out to our alumni and the Boulder community and getting them involved in the program.”
Tripp spent the last 13 seasons (1995-08) as an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Denver, and was promoted to associate head coach for the 2007-08 season. She assisted the Pioneer's transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA I in 1998 and just four seasons later, helped guide DU into the 2001 NCAA Tournament.
Considered and excellent teacher of the game, Tripp was responsible for the development of both guard and post play, scouting of opponents, in-game strategy, and served as the camp director for all summer camps. Tripp's other duties included recruiting, alumni relations and academic support. She was responsible for the development of DU's most notable center, Misa Pavlickova, the 2001 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, the 24th overall pick of the 2001 WNBA Draft and a member of the 2004 Czech Republic Olympic team, as well as other numerous all-conference players.
Prior to Denver, Tripp spent one season as an assistant coach at San Diego State (1994-95), helping the Aztecs to the Western Athletic Conference title and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. She also spent one season (1993-94) as an assistant basketball and volleyball coach at Western State College.
Before embarking on her collegiate coaching career, Tripp served as head girls basketball coach at Boulder's Fairview High from 1990-93, leading Knights to three-straight Class 5A state tournaments and an overall record of 54-18. Tripp also taught physical education, health and science during her tenure.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring Tracy back to CU,” McConnell-Miller said. “She brings great experience to our staff and she will be a key asset for us in reaching out to our alumni as well as the community.”
