MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho head women's basketball coach Jon Newlee has announced that longtime associate head coach Christa Sanford will be retiring from the program.
Sanford has been a staple on the Idaho bench for 14 seasons, six of them as the associate head coach.
"After much thought and prayer I have decided to step down from coaching to spend more time with my family," Sanford said. "It was not an easy decision, but our kids are getting older, and I don't want to miss any moments as I know I only have so much time with them while they are young. It has been an amazing ride as a college coach, and I am thankful for all the relationships I have made during my coaching career."
Sanford's day-to-day coaching duties included working with both the posts and guards. Off the court, she served as the program recruiting coordinator, overseeing the scouting of opponents and organizing team practices. In the offseason, she helped run the Idaho basketball camps.
"I want to thank Jon Newlee for being an outstanding mentor and boss," Sanford said. "But more importantly a great friend. At two institutions we have worked tirelessly to establish a Championship Culture (which isn't changing) and have seen so many amazing women graduate and have much success in life. I appreciate the many coaches I have had the chance to work with over the last 17 years and the players that I had the pleasure of watching grow into strong, fierce women. These relationships I will continue to cherish.
Sanford has helped Newlee to a program record 244 wins, two WAC Regular Season Championships, one Big Sky Regular Season Championship, two WAC Tournament Championships, and one Big Sky Tournament Championship.
"Having recruited Christa and coached her for five years, then having her work by my side for 15 more, makes today extremely bittersweet," Newlee said. "Christa has every attribute that all the greatest assistant coaches possess. Fiercely loyal, a work ethic second to none, boundless enthusiasm, great basketball knowledge, the best recruiter in the country, and most important an absolute heart of gold. Our players and fellow coaches through the years have been blessed to have her in their lives, as have my family and I. I am sad for myself and our program, but so very happy for her and her family that they will have her full time, as she is a fantastic mom. I would never have reached the heights and had the success I have had as a head coach in two different programs without Christa. Our 20 years together have been amazing, she will be sorely missed professionally and personally. I wish her all the happiness in the world in whatever the future hold for her, she deserves it!"
Newlee and Sanford have guided the Vandals to seven postseason bids: three trips to the NCAA tournament, two WNIT appearances, and two WBI appearances including a run to the WBI semifinals in 2016-17.
"Sanford was so much more than a coach to me," former player and current Vandal assistant coach Taylor Pierce said. "She helped me grow as an athlete, leader, and mentor by constantly pushing and encouraging me to be better. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from her as a player and coach beside her. She taught me so many valuable lessons and skills that have helped me become the person I am and she'll always be someone I look up to. I can't imagine who I would be without her and I'm so incredibly thankful to have her in my life."
Sanford has coached 32 All-Conference selections, 13 All-Tournament selections, four All-Americans, three conference tournament MVPs, three conference players of the year, two Top Reserves (Sixth-Man), one Newcomer of the Year and one Freshman of the Year.
"She is someone I always know I can count on," Allison Kirby said. "On and off the court she always has my back and pushed me to be the best version of myself. From basketball, school, and life, she has been a great role model for me and I am forever grateful for her and the impact she made on my life."
Sanford also helped coach 76 All-Academic honorees three CoSIDA Academic All-District selections and two CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
"Vandal Nation is strong and there are so many individuals that I have enjoyed getting to know," Sanford said. "Thank you for believing in our vision and supporting our program. I am looking forward to sitting in the stands and cheering loud next year for these amazing women! Go Vandals!"
Coach Newlee will begin a search for a new associate head/assistant coach.
For more on Vandal women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsWBB.
