BELLINGHAM - Former Western Washington University women's basketball standout Stacey (Miller) Turrell is returning to the Viking program as an interim assistant coach.
Turrell will serve as the top assistant for seven months, beginning in September, while Jenn Childress takes a sabbatical for health reasons.
"Stacey understands our program and is going to bring a lot of energy and new ideas," WWU head coach Carmen Dolfo said in a news release. "I'm so happy she has decided to come back to our staff."
The 32-year-old Turrell was a graduate assistant coach at WWU during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons while completing a master's degree in education. The Vikings reached the NCAA Division II West Regional semifinals both years, posting a 27-2 record, going undefeated in winning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title and winning a school record 21 straight games in 2005-06.
Following that, Turrell assisted three years at Sehome High School, the Mariners going to the state tournament during the 2006-07 campaign.
"She is an incredibly hard worker with a lot of energy," Dolfo said of Turrell. "I have always enjoyed working with her both as a player and graduate assistant. She has stayed connected to our program since she left so the transition will be very smooth."
Turrell, who earned a degree in elementary education at WWU in 2003, finished her three-year career with 980 points and 458 rebounds. She set a school career record for three-point accuracy of 44.3 percent (155 of 350) and her 155 threes tied the WWU standard.
Turrell was a first-team Women's Basketball Coaches Association and second-team Daktronics West Region all-star as a senior in 2002-03. The team's co-captain, she also was a unanimous first-team Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-star.
The Vikings' leading scorer with a 15.0 average per game, Turrell finished second nationally and led the league in three-point shooting at 47.5 percent (56 of 118). She also averaged 5.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Turrell also attended Washington State University, being a member of the Cougar volleyball team for two years.
A Sehome graduate, Miller starred in basketball and volleyball for the Mariners.
Childress, 42, has coached the last six years at WWU, the Vikings making five post-season appearances in five of those seasons. She also assisted four years at Cal State San Bernardino, being the top aide for two seasons.
Prior to that, Childress taught physical education and health for seven years at Meridian High School. She coached basketball there for six years, the Trojans making three straight state appearances, winning the district title and reaching the championship game of Class 2A state tournament in 2000.
