Kim Barnes Arico leaves SJU for Michigan
St. John's University's Women's basketball Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico at St. John's Women's basketball team media day. (Nov. 4, 2011) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Kim Barnes Arico has stepped down as coach of the St. John’s and will take over the Michigan job, the school announced on Friday. Associate head coach Joe Tartamella was named interim coach and will head the program while the school conducts a national search.
Barnes Arico replaces Kevin Borseth at Michigan. Borseth left Michigan to return to Wisconson-Green Bay.
Barnes Arico went 176-134 in 10 seasons as coach and is the program’s all-time leader in wins. She led the school to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Sweet 16 this season.
The Floyd HS graduate was named Big East coach of the year in 2006 and 2012.
“We thank Kim for the great work she has done lifting our program to a prominent level,” remarked St. John’s Director of Athletics Chris Monasch. “The foundation has been built and the aspiration of our program is to continue to compete among the nation’s best. Our appreciation and best wishes go out to Kim and her family.”
Among the highlights of Barnes Arico’s run as coach was a win at Connecticut in 2012 and four straight wins over Rutgers, including a two-game sweep of the Scarlet Knights this season.
Whoever gets the job will have a lot to work with. The Red Storm (24-10) returns four starters from a record-breaking season. Nadirah McKenith, Shenneika Smith, North Babylon grad Eugeneia McPherson and Mary Nwachukwu are all set to return next season.
Promising freshman forward Amber Thompson also returns with Keylantra Langley and Briana Brown.
