Kirkland Added to Fill Coaching Vacancy

April 26, 2004

Tianna Kirkland, who has spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University, has been hired as an assistant on Beth Couture's women's basketball staff, the university announced today. Kirkland will begin her duties at Butler in mid-May.

In addition to her on-court coaching responsibilities, Kirkland will oversee the team's travel operations and serve as the program's camp director. She will also assist with scouting and recruiting.

"We're excited to add Tianna to our basketball family," said Couture. "Along with her vast experience she's obtained the past two seasons at Central Michigan, she brings tremendous passion and enthusiasm for the game.

"She's a great player, which not only will be an asset to our staff, but to our players as well."

The Flint, Mich., native graduated from Ferris State in 2002 and holds a bachelor's degree in applied biology. Kirkland will finish her master's degree in business administration at Central Michigan University this summer.

In just two seasons on the sidelines, Kirkland has amassed a wealth of experience. At Central Michigan, her responsibilities included on-court coaching and the coordination of the program's film-exchange, scout team, and team managers. She was also involved in recruiting and individual skill development. Additionally, Kirkland oversaw the purchasing of all team equipment and the CMU Ball Girl program. Kirkland has served as an instructor at numerous camps, in addition to running Central Michigan's camp the past two summers.

Kirkland arrived on the CMU campus after a stellar four-year career at Ferris State University (Big Rapids, Mich.). She ended her senior year by being named a Women's Basketball Bulletin third team All-America selection. She was also recognized as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) "Player of the Year."

She led the team in rebounding as a sophomore, junior, and senior and led the team in scoring her last two seasons. Kirkland helped the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Division II National Tournament appearance as a junior. She was named All-GLIAC second team as a junior and GLIAC North Division first team the following year.

Kirkland graduated from Ferris State in 2002 as one of the university's most accomplished players. She finished her career as Ferris State's tenth-leading scorer (926 points), third-leading rebounder (705), and fourth-best shooter (.540, 350-for-648). She also ranked in the Top 10 for free throws made (ninth, 226) and blocks (fifth, 40).

A two-sport athlete, Kirkland also participated two years in track and field at FSU. She holds the school indoor and outdoor records in the shot put, in addition to the Bulldogs' record discus mark. A two-time co-captain, she also earned Division II All-America honors in the indoor and outdoor shot put and the discus in 2002.

Kirkland replaces Monica Claridge, who resigned last month to pursue other coaching opportunities after two seasons on the Butler bench. The Bulldogs finished the 2003-04 campaign with an overall record of 14-15. The team advanced to the semifinals of the Horizon League Tournament after posting a 9-7 conference mark, ending the regular season in a tie for fourth in the league standings.