University of Evansville women’s basketball head coach Misty Murphy announced today that veteran assistant coach Jim Sexton has been promoted to associate head coach for the Purple Aces.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to promote Jim to associate head coach,” said Murphy.  “Jim is the most experienced coach on our staff and he has been instrumental in the development of our program through his leadership and knowledge.  I rely a great deal on the proven ability Jim brings with his now 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, and our program is truly blessed to have his involvement.”

“I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to work with Coach Murphy two years ago,” said Sexton.  “Now, for her to trust and recognize my efforts with this promotion, I am truly grateful.  I look forward to the bright future of University of Evansville women’s basketball.”

Sexton has served as an assistant coach at UE the last two seasons under Murphy, while being a 29-year veteran of the coaching ranks overall.  Sexton played a key role in UE’s run to the 2009 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title and a spot in the 2009 NCAA Tournament field, as he assisted with in-game coaching decisions and opponent scouting for the Purple Aces.  Sexton also assists with UE’s recruiting and scheduling efforts thanks to his wealth of connections in the women’s basketball ranks. 

Sexton came to UE in 2008 after spending four years as the recruiting coordinator at Northwestern.  He also has served as an assistant coach at both the United States Naval Academy and Lehigh at the Division I level, after being a very successful Division III head coach for 15 years at Blackburn College in Illinois.  Sexton was a three-time conference Coach of the Year while at Blackburn, including being named the 1992-93 Illinois Coaches Association’s Division III Coach of the Year.

Sexton is a 1977 graduate of Blackburn, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  He also earned a master’s degree in physical education from Southern Illinois-Edwardsville in 1986.