April 7, 2005

DAYTON, OH - University of Dayton Vice-President and Director of Athletics Ted Kissell has announced that the University has extended the contract of head women's basketball coach Jim Jabir through the 2008-09 season. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

When Jabir was named Dayton's head coach in the spring of 2003 his original contract was through the 2006-07 season. After going 3-25 in his inaugural season, Jabir guided the Flyers to a 12-16 record in 2004-05. That was the fourth-best turnaround in Division I this year.

"Jim's first task when he became our head coach was to change the direction of the women's basketball at the University of Dayton," Kissell said. "The first season was tough, but Jim succeeded in establishing standards for the program. This season was the first step in taking it where we, and he, believe it belongs. This contract extension demonstration of that belief."

"I've stated more than once that this is the best job I've ever had," Jabir said. "That's because of the people at UD. I want to win championships and go to the NCAA's, not for myself, but for our players, and Ted, and everyone who believes in what our program can become. No one could be prouder or happier about this extension."

Jabir, 42, has a career record of 235-264 in 18 seasons as a head coach at Buffalo State, Siena, Marquette, Providence and Dayton.

The Flyers return 13 of 14 players from this season's team, including White-Allen MVP winner and Second Team All-Atlantic 10 selection Cara Wright. Wright led Dayton in scoring (12.2) and rebounding (8.6) in 2004-05.