February 27, 1999

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Maryland athletics director Deborah A. Yow announced on Saturday that the contract of womens basketball coach Chris Weller has been extended through the 1999-2000 season.

Weller, who just completed her 24th season as head coach, has led the Terps to 20 winning seasons, 15 postseason tournament appearances, eight Atlantic Coast Conference titles and three Final Four showings. Maryland finished 6-21 this season with a young and developing team that included six freshmen. Weller is 453-242 during her Maryland coaching career.

"Chris Weller has a long-established record of success," said Yow. "This has been a difficult season for her in terms of wins and losses, no doubt. When you consider the youth of her team, the injuries she faced at the strart of the season and the promise shown by our current freshmen, it seems appropriate to extend her contract."

Added Weller, "I'm excited about the potential of our young team. It was one of my most enjoyable seasons from the standpoint of teaching and watching a very young team grow and mature. We have every expectation of returning Maryland women's basketball back to its position of prominence."