Mary Ellen Gillespie

Darner leaving Green Bay men’s basketball (update)

May 18, 2020 By Bill Scott

Linc Darner

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander confirmed today (Monday) that the University and men’s basketball coach Linc Darner have decided to part ways.

In a statement issued to the media this morning, no reason was given for Darner’s dismissal and the school is offering no further comment at this time.

Green Bay Athletics Director Charles Guthrie said a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Darner was initially hired by former Athletic Director Mary Ellen Gillespie. Gillespie put language in Darner’s contract which allowed for very sustainable extensions to be reached. Darner could get a year added to his contract for finishing fourth or better in the Horizon League standings. He also had built in protections that allowed for potential extensions in the event of changes in upper level leadership at the University. [Read more…]

Green Bay searching for new Director of Athletics

May 24, 2017 By Bill Scott

Mary Ellen Gillespie (right)

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is searching for a new Director of Athletics after Mary Ellen Gillespie, who held the post since November of 2013, left to take the same job at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

Gillespie’s move to Hartford is also a return to the East Coast, putting her closer to family and her hometown of Long Island, New York.

“Mary Ellen significantly elevated the profile of the Phoenix Athletic program through her visionary leadership, exceptional coach recruiting, strong management and a national profile with the NCAA,” said Green Bay Chancellor Gary L. Miller. “The foundation of her success is her deep commitment to student athletes and [Read more…]

Green Bay play-by-play man just wants to get back to action (AUDIO)

March 8, 2016 By Bill Scott

Green Bay Phoenix Radio Play-by-Play voice Matt Menzl

Green Bay Phoenix radio play-by-play man Matt Menzl can’t wait for tonight’s championship game against Wright State. Menzl is figuring by that time, things might be back to semi-normal.

Menzl was on the headsets for last nights 99-92 thriller that saw the four-seeded Green Bay Phoenix prevail in overtime over the one-seeded Valparaiso Crusaders.

After a questionable call by referee Pat Adams in the second half last night, Adams kicked Menzl out of the game. Menzl said it was a misunderstanding gone wrong.

Menzl said Adams thought he was waving him off after a call went against the Phoenix. “I talk with my hands,” Menzl said. “I was trying to describe that we had two guys fighting for the ball, and he took it as I waved him off, like saying that’s a horrible call. “At first he gave me a warning. Then two seconds later said, ‘I want this guy removed and I won’t start the game until he gets removed.'” [Read more…]

Green Bay adds Darner as the school’s 7th head coach (AUDIO)

April 15, 2015 By Bill Scott

Green Bay head coach Linc Darner

Florida Southern coach Linc Darner was a front-runner for the Green Bay Phoenix men’s basketball coaching position from the very beginning. Green Bay athletic director Mary Ellen Gillespie said what set Darner apart from the rest of the coaching candidate pool was his total presentation.

Gillespie said, “His years of head coaching experience, his winning programs at every stop, the x’s and o’s, how he runs a program, how he interacts with parents, donors and fans, how he mentors and guides young men and how he works with colleagues across campus.”

Gillespie offered the job to Darner on Tuesday and he accepted. He was introduced at a news conference this morning. The reason for the 1-day delay? Darner thought it was most appropriate that he return to Florida to tell his players that he would be leaving for his dream of coaching Division 1 college basketball. It’s another quality trait that Darner possesses, insuring Gillespie that she picked the right man for the job. [Read more…]

Green Bay’s Gillespie appointed to NCAA D-1 Women’s Basketball Committee

February 17, 2015 By Bill Scott

Mary Ellen Gillespie

Green Bay Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie has been appointed to the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Committee. She will begin her five-year term on the committee on Sept. 1, 2015.

In the midst of her second academic year at Green Bay, Gillespie will become the first administrator in the history of the Horizon League to serve on the selection committee.

In her first year at Green Bay, Gillespie oversaw an athletics department which captured four Horizon League regular season championships and sent two programs (men’s tennis, softball) to the NCAA Tournament.

The leader of Phoenix athletics has also guided the athletics department through significant transition since being named the eighth Director of Athletics in school history back on Oct. 17, 2013. Gillespie has hired nine staff members and six head coaches.

AUDIO: Mary Ellen Gillespie on her appointment to NCAA selection committee :50