POCATELLO, Idaho – ISU Head Coach
Seton Sobolewski announced the hiring of assistant coach Laura Dinkins today who will replace former assistant coach Ashley Elliott. Dinkins comes to ISU after serving two years as an assistant at Northern Arizona as well as a successful career for the Lumberjacks from 2003-08.
“After talking with Laura and her references, she was the obvious choice as our new assistant coach,” Sobolewski said. “She has two years of experience in everything we need her to do, she was a great player and she's a very professional woman.”
At Northern Arizona, Dinkins worked with the guards and assisted with recruiting, scouting and academic mentoring. Her duties also included game preparation, coordination of team travel, and the overseeing of community service performed by student-athletes and staff.
“Laura brings to our program knowledge of the Big Sky Conference,” Sobolewski said. “Not only was she a standout player in the Big Sky, but she's also had two years of coaching experience in the Big Sky.”
Dinkins played forward at NAU from 2003-08 and produced one of the most decorated careers in program history. She is second all-time at NAU with 714 rebounds and second all-time with 252 rebounds in a single season (2007-08). She also played a program-record 1,144 minutes during the 2007-08 season.
Dinkins was a member of the 2005-06 team that won NAU's first Big Sky Championship, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Dinkins was named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year in her junior season and was selected all-conference second team as a senior.
“We are excited to have Laura working with us,” Sobolewski said. “Her experience in the Big Sky, her positive attitude and her friendly personality make her a great fit for Idaho State.”
Prior to joining the NAU staff, Dinkins spent two years playing professional basketball in Europe. She played in Germany for the Chem Cats, helping the team earn a Division II Championship. She also played a season in The Netherlands for the Perik Jumpers.
Dinkins is originally from Rialto, Calif. She earned her undergraduate degree in health sciences from Northern Arizona in 2008.
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