Oct. 19, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland director of athletics Deborah A. Yow announced today that head women's basketball coach Brenda Frese has signed a two-year contract extension with the university.

Frese received a two-year extension of her contract through 2010 in an agreement that will pay her a base salary of $184,540. There is a buyout clause in the contract that would pay the university should Frese decide to coach at another institution or in the professional ranks prior to the completion of the contract term.

The Terps, picked eighth in the ACC preseason poll in 2003, finished instead in a tie for third place and advanced to the ACC Tournament semifinals in only the second year of Frese's tenure on campus. In a closely contested battle, Maryland lost by seven points to eventual tournament champion Duke.

"There is no more effective coach than Brenda and no program in the country with a brighter future than the University of Maryland," said Yow. "The negotiations began shortly after last season, but were interrupted by recruiting periods. We're pleased to complete this contract."

"I feel fortunate and am extremely appreciative of the support that Athletics Director Debbie Yow and Senior Associate A.D. Larry Leckonby have shown in rewarding me with a contract extension," said Frese. "It demonstrates their continued strong support and commitment for women's athletics and women's basketball.

"I'm also appreciative of the support our program receives by members of the faculty, including our President Dan Mote, who has attended a number of our games."

Frese, the 2002 Associated Press National Coach of the Year while at Minnesota, directed the Terrapins to an 18-13 record last season. The Terps reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992, upsetting fifth-seeded Miami on the way to the second round.

In the 2003-04 regular season, Maryland set the record for the second highest single-game attendance in ACC history, drawing 13,446 to the game with Duke. Maryland dominated its opponents in Comcast Center, posting a 12-2 home mark a year ago.

In her two seasons at Maryland, four of her six seniors have already graduated from the university, with the remaining two currently scheduled to complete their degrees by Spring 2005.

Maryland's most recent recruiting class was ranked second in the nation by Blue Star Report. The Terps, one of the most promising teams to watch in the nation for 2004-05, will be loaded with young talent, as eight of 11 players on the roster are freshmen and sophomores.

Maryland will host the first and second rounds of the 2005 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament on March 20 and 22 in Comcast Center.