Utah Athletics Officially Introduces Gavin Petersen As Women’s Basketball Head Coach

SALT LAKE CITY – On Friday, Utah Athletics officially introduced Gavin Petersen as the head coach of the women’s basketball program.

Petersen takes over four games into the 2024-25 season following the Los Angeles Sparks hiring of Lynne Roberts as their new head coach.

Petersen becomes the sixth head coach of the Utah women’s basketball.

Welcoming the 5th Head Coach in Utah Women’s Basketball history, Gavin Petersen.#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/2RmiMGFYKh

— Utah Women’s Basketball (@UTAHWBB) November 20, 2024

Gavin Petersen’s Opening Comments As Utah Women’s Basketball Head Coach

“I’d like to thank, first of all, President Randall, Mark Harlan, and Charmelle Green, for their support and belief in me to coach this team and lead this program,” Gavin Petersen said. “I’ve invested a lot into this program over the last ten seasons, so I’m grateful I get to continue to do so as it’s head coach.”

RELATED: Los Angeles Sparks Hire Utah’s Lynne Roberts As Next Head Coach

Petersen has spent the last 10 seasons at Utah, the last five as associate head coach under Lynne Roberts. He’s played a valuable role in Utah’s development and progress as a women’s basketball contender.

“I also want to thank the community the fans, and alumni for their outpour of support over the last few days” he said. “I do want to take a moment to thank Lynne Roberts. We spent 12 years together. Her guidance and leadership has prepared me for this moment.”

He finished his opening remarks with a message to his players and staff.

“Now to our current team, our current coaching staff, and support staff, thank you for showing me the confidence you have in me that’s been on display over the last couple of days,” Petersen continued. “My promise to you is you guys will get the very best from me and each and every day.  My promise to you is you’ll get my very best each and every day.”

Gavin Petersen’s Coaching Background

Petersen has 23 seasons of college coaching experience. He is in his 10th season overall with the Utes, the previous five as associate head coach under Roberts. Petersen was promoted to associate head coach in 2018 after making significant contributions to Utah’s improvements on the floor.

He has been part of the staff that has led the Utes to six postseason appearances, including three NCAA tournaments, highlighted by a trip to the Sweet Sixteen. He’s also helped Utah to four 20-win seasons and regular appearances in the AP Top 25. Needless to say, he’s played a hand in Utah’s rise over the last few years.

In terms of player development, Petersen has a background coaching both post players and guards in recent years. He was integral in developing Alyssa Pili and Emily Potter into dominant forces. Both earned numerous Conference and National honors and WNBA draft choices. During the 2021-22 season, Petersen worked with the guards and point guards.

Before Utah, Petersen spent two seasons as an assistant coach on Roberts’ staff at the University of the Pacific. He helped the Tigers to consecutive WNIT appearances. Petersen also served as an associate head coach and assistant coach at Hawai’i, Idaho, and Idaho State.

RELATED: Kyle Whittingham, Morgan Scalley Approaching Utah Offensive Coordinator Hire Together

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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