JOLIET, Ill. -- University of St. Francis and director of athletics Dave Laketa have announced Jimmy Copenhaver as the new head coach of the Fighting Saints women's basketball program.  He becomes the 15th head coach in the 51-year history of the program, replacing John McGinty, who stepped down from the position in April.  Copenhaver will take over a program that has advanced to the NAIA National Tournament each of the past two seasons.

"Consistency is a good thing, especially in a winning program," said Laketa.  "Having someone like Jimmy who has been involved with the team during the success that we have had over the past three years bodes well for the future of the program."

Prior to taking over the reins, Copenhaver had served as an assistant coach at USF each of the past three seasons, including the top assistant the past two winters. During those three campaigns, he was part of a Saints' program that produced a 61-31 overall record, which included back-to-back 25-win campaigns each of the past two winters. 

Additionally, Copenhaver helped guide St. Francis' return to the NAIA National Tournament stage for the eighth and ninth times in program history.  USF advanced to the second round of the Sioux Center Bracket in 2024-25, while the 2025-26 squad achieved its highest-ever ranking in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll (No. 15).

"Jimmy has had a life-long passion for the game of basketball and it shows with the work ethic he has put in to prepare his players at all the levels he has coached at to be successful," added Laketa.  "He will do all the necessary work on the court – creating efficient practice plans, game planning, detailed scouting reports – as well as off the court – guiding students on their path to graduation – that will allow his student-athletes to thrive."

Before his time at USF, Copenhaver served as an assistant girls' varsity basketball coach at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Ill. from 2019-2023, while concurrently heading multiple AAU travel basketball programs.

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