June 27, 2002

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University women's basketball coach Dan Durkin today announced the hiring of former Penn State standout Tanya Garner as an assistant basketball coach. Garner, who comes to Duquesne from West Mifflin Area High School, replaces Alvis Rodgers who accepted an assistant coach position at the University of Pittsburgh last month. In addition to recruiting responsibilities, Garner will work with Duquesne's guards and handle community development for the program.

"I couldn't be happier in getting Tanya on staff with our returning assistants Jill Poe and Krista Jay," said Durkin. "My relationship with Tanya started about 16 years ago when I helped recruit her when I was an assistant at Penn State. I said 16 years ago in her recruitment process that she would be a steal, and I still feel that way. We feel we have added a solid citizen, quality coach and person to Duquesne University."

Garner, who has served as an assistant girl's basketball coach at West Mifflin since 1997, also works for The Familylinks as a program supervisor.

"Tanya has done a great job with Phil Shar at West Mifflin these last five years," said Durkin. "Phil raves about how the kids loved her. Her background in human development and counseling at Familylinks over the past 10 years only enhances her communication skills to be successful at this level."

As a player, Garner helped lead Penn State to a 29-2 record as a senior co-captain in 1991. She finished her career with 1,538 points and set school records for three-pointers made and attempted. She completed her degree in human development and family studies at PSU in 1991.