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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Valley City State University has hired Cathy Hanek as the seventh head women’s basketball coach in school history.

Hanek (HAN-EK) joins VCSU after a year as head coach at Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana. She officially takes over the Viking women’s basketball program Aug. 19.

“We are truly excited to have Cathy join our staff,” athletic director Jack Denholm said. “I am confident that Cathy will continue the success of the Viking basketball program. She possesses great leadership skills, is determined to be successful and has a vision of where she wants to take the Viking basketball program.”

Hanek takes over a VCSU program with lofty goals this season. The Vikings have qualified for the NAIA national tournament the past three seasons under former coach Jill DeVries, and return several key players off last year’s squad.

“I am thrilled and blessed with this opportunity,” Hanek said. “The women’s basketball tradition at VCSU is strong and one I am grateful to be a part of. I look forward to working with the talented coaches and student-athletes already in place, and continuing to build upon what they have already begun.”

“What excited me the most about this job was that everyone I spoke with had a visible enthusiasm and commitment to Valley City State University and the athletics program,” she said. “I want to thank Jack Denholm and the entire search committee for entrusting me with the future of Viking women’s basketball. I am humbled and ready to go to work.”

A native of Ohio, Hanek played college basketball for Youngstown State from 2000 to 2005. This past year she was the head women’s basketball coach and assistant men’s basketball coach for Miles Community College. Prior to that she spent 2007-2011 as the assistant women’s basketball coach for Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Since its first season in 1969, the Valley City State women’s basketball program has posted a 565-529 record and won six conference championships. VCSU begins play this season in the new North Star Athletic Association.