MacMurray Names New Women's Basketball Coach

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - Derek James, 2004 MacMurray graduate and longtime women's and men's assistant basketball coach was named head basketball coach for the Lady Highlanders.

"I am very excited and proud to serve my alma mater as women's head basketball coach," James said.  "The main goal for our team next season is to be successful as student-athletes and win the conference tournament. I look forward to the upcoming season and the new journey ahead."

James, who has been a men's assistant coach since 2008 and a women's assistant coach since 2009, has been the men's and women's head golf coach at MacMurray College for two years.

He currently lives in Jacksonville, IL, with his wife and two daughters.

The position of head women's basketball coach came open with the planned departure of head women's basketball coach and Athletic Director, Dane Pavlovich. Pavlovich has accepted the position of Dean of Athletics position at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. Lindsborg is close to his family and the family of his wife, Amy Kay, who serves as chaplain at MacMurray.

In his three years as athletic director, Pavlovich has put MacMurray Athletics in an upward trajectory for athletic and academic excellence. As a coach, he has made the women's team a contender for the conference tournament.

"AD Pavlovich has been a great addition to the MacMurray team," said John Bailey, vice president of Academic Affairs and Student Life . "He has been a strong advocate for student-athletes, and he has successfully worked to improve all facets of the MacMurray College athletic programs.  "

To help with the transition, Pavlovich expects to continue his duties into the spring before leaving for Bethany.

Courtesy MacMurray College Public Relations