June 5, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Janet Cone, who led the Samford women's basketball team to the fifth-largest turnaround in NCAA Division I last season, was awarded with a new four-year contract today by Samford Director of Athletics Bob Roller. Cone is the only coach Samford has had in its three seasons of women's basketball. Her Bulldogs posted a 19-10 record this season after managing a total of 11 wins during the first two years of the fledgling program.

"It's impressive to see what has been accomplished in only three years of our program's existence under Janet's leadership," Roller said. "She has been a tireless worker who has made an impact in the community promoting women's basketball. This past season exceeded all expectations and we look forward to our first senior class for the upcoming year."

Cone's 1999-2000 squad also moved up to the upper division of the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC) as the Bulldogs finished third with a 13-5 conference mark. Samford led the 10-member TAAC in home attendance figures during this past season.

"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to continue coaching at a place I really love," Cone said. "I have said it before that I want to end my coaching career here at Samford. I am thankful to Dr. (Thomas) Corts (Samford President) and Bob Roller for the confidence and commitment they have shown in the women's basketball program and I am looking forward to the next four years here."

Cone, a native of Summerville, SC, began her coaching career at Mars Hill (NC) College in 1986. She moved to Western Carolina University in 1990 and spent three season's as head coach of the Catamounts. From there she become assistant athletic director plus head women's basketball and volleyball coach at St. Leo College in 1994. Cone was hired at Samford prior to the school's inaugural season in 1997.

Cone graduated from Furman University in 1978 and received her masters degree in Physical Education from the University of South Carolina in 1986.