FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 24, 2025) – After eight seasons at the helm of the Northern Arizona University women's basketball program, head coach
Loree Payne has announced she will depart NAU and become the new head women's basketball coach at Santa Clara.
Payne leaves as NAU's all-time winningest head coach with an overall record of 136-116 (.540), including a Big Sky Conference record of 88-62 (.586).
"Thank you, Northern Arizona University. I am beyond grateful for the past eight years at NAU, where I had the incredible opportunity to rebuild the women's basketball program from the ground up. What started as a vision turned into a championship program, and I couldn't be more proud of the journey we took together," said Payne. "To the NAU Athletic Department, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in what we were building. To the players, past and present—you are the heart of this program. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication made this transformation possible, and I am forever grateful to have coached such an amazing group of athletes. Flagstaff will always hold a special place in my heart, filled with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the joy of seeing this program rise. Thank you, Lumberjack Family, for everything!"
Payne was named Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year in 2022-23 when the Lumberjacks claimed a share of the conference's regular season title. She guided NAU to four-straight Big Sky semifinals and three-straight conference championship games. Under Payne, the Lumberjacks have advanced to the postseason the last three seasons, most recently advancing to the second round of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) after a historic win over Arizona.
"Coach Payne built a championship caliber program and provided an exciting brand of basketball which captivated the Lumberjack community. She departs as the all-time winningest coach in NAU history, and we are grateful for her service to Northern Arizona University," said Interim Athletic Director,
Uri Farkas. "We wish Coach Payne and the Santa Clara Bronco family all the best."
Under Payne, the Lumberjacks have eclipsed 20 wins in the past three seasons, including a program record of 27-8 in 2024-25. In a snapshot, Payne has coached 14 different players to 22 All-Big Sky honors including four players to six first team nods.
"I am thankful for Coach Payne's commitment to NAU these past eight years. Her leadership and compassion have been evident not only in wins and awards, but most importantly in the success of our student athletes – on the court, in the classroom, and in life after basketball," said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera. "I am truly happy for Loree and wish her continued success at Santa Clara."
A national search for the next head coach of NAU women's basketball is underway.
