Rich named director of basketball operations

Shanna Rich will take over as director of women’s basketball operations for the Gophers, head coach Pam Borton announced Tuesday.
Rich has worked for the past year as an administrative assistant in the women’s basketball office handling recruits’ visiting schedules, recruiting compliance issues and the team’s travel plans.
She will replace Abby Kershaw, who resigned earlier this month to take a job at GreenMark Sports in Eden Prairie.
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Rich earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Florida A&M University in 2007 and is working on a master’s degree in the same field at the University.
Since graduating, she has interned for the Timberwolves and the Lynx.
Kershaw and assistant coach Barb Smith both resigned this month, forcing Borton and the University of Minnesota to scramble to find replacements. Former Gophers guard Kelly Roysland replaced Smith.
The director of basketball operations is responsible for all planning and logistics associated with team travel, events, photo shoots and community service projects, among other day-to-day operations.
The Gophers begin their season Nov. 13 against Northern Illinois at Williams Arena.