Renee Jimenez has been named the new head women''s basketball coach at California State University, Monterey Bay. This is the first full-time coaching position in CSU Monterey Bay's athletic program, and it brings the university in line with other schools in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Jimenez is the sixth coach in the history of CSUMB Basketball.

For the past three years, Jimenez has been an assistant coach at San Diego State, where she helped to transform a program that had three wins in the 2005-06 season to a team that finished 18-13 last year, and assisted with recruiting, scouting and student-athlete academics. She spent a year before that as an intern at Stanford University for head coach Tara VanDerveer at the nationally prominent program.

Jimenez played three seasons at San Francisco State, finishing her career as the Gators' all-time leader in three-point goals. She earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and kinesiology.

"We're excited to have Renee as our women's coach," said Sue Borrego, vice president for student affairs. "She brings passion and great experiences from her previous work at the highest level of women's college basketball."

Said Beth Burns, head coach at San Diego State University: "Coach Jimenez has been an integal member of our Aztec staff and has been a key part of our building process. We had to build our program from the ground up, and Renee got valuable experience every step of the way...The Otters have gotten a good one."

Said Tara VanDerveer, head coach at Stanford University: "I am very excited for Renee and the great opportunity for her as the new head coach at CSU Monterey Bay. I know she will make the most of it.  Renee is a dedicated and hard working young coach with great energy and enthusiasm.  I believe that her players will enjoy playing for her and fans will enjoy watching her team play."