In a decisive play by Brigham Young University's athletics department, former hoops star Lee Cummard has been tapped to take the helm of the women's basketball program. Following Amber Whiting's departure, which marked a rocky tenure culminating with a 45-51 record, the university has looked to a familiar face in Cummard to chart a new course. As KSL.com reports, athletic director Tom Holmoe praised Cummard's commitment to the university and his unique understanding of the mission that defines BYU.
Cummard, who served as interim coach since March 8, is taking over a program with aspirations to rebound from a less-than-stellar performance in conference play under Whiting, sporting a 19-35 record. According to ESPN, Cummard's own storied career at BYU, comprising a tenure from 2005-2009 and recognition as a three-time All-Mountain West Conference selection, positions him as a hopeful harbinger of success for the women's team.
The coaching switch-up represents a substantial opportunity for Cummard, a former 2008 Mountain West player of the year, who before this appointment cultivated his coaching craft within the ranks of BYU's basketball community. "Lee has been an important part of our BYU Athletics family for many years," Holmoe stated, as reported by KSL.com. His comprehensive experience is expected to be a key factor in retaining and recruiting players who align with the school's ethos.
Returning to BYU after a stint playing professionally overseas, Cummard joined the men's basketball coaching staff in 2016 before making the transition to the women's program three years later. As KUTV notes, Cummard's extensive international and collegiate playing experience, meshed with a coaching tenure on both the men's and women's teams, gives him a distinctive perspective as he steps into his new role as head coach for a promising, if unsteady, women's basketball team.
