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Xavier women's basketball tabs Billi Chambers as newest head coach

Billi Chambers led Iona to two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles in 2016 and 2023.
Billi Chambers led Iona to two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles in 2016 and 2023.

Xavier University announced Wednesday former Iona women's basketball coach Billi Chambers will become the ninth head coach in program history.

“We are thrilled to announce Billi as the new leader of our women’s basketball program,” Xavier Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher said. “Through our national search, she distinguished herself among our list of talented candidates.

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Chambers comes to Xavier after spending 10 seasons at Iona, where she led the Gaels to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2016 and 2023. She also won two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships (2013-2014, 2022-2023) and two conference tournament titles (2016 and 2023). Chambers had an overall record of 141-153 and a conference record of 102-85.

“I am excited to be the new head women’s basketball coach at Xavier,” Chambers said. “Xavier plays in one of the premier college basketball conferences in the country and has a rich history of success. We will work relentlessly to restore this program to excellence both on and off the court. I can’t wait to coach in the Big East and compete for conference championships!”

In the 2022-2033 season, Xavier finished with a record of 7-23. The Musketeers have appeared in 10 NCAA Tournaments with their last appearance coming in 2011. Xavier made the Elite Eight in 2001 under head coach Melanie Balcomb and in 2010 under head coach Kevin McGuff, who currently coaches at Ohio State.

Before beginning her tenure at Iona, Chambers was an assistant coach at Virginia Tech (2011-2013) and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (2008-2011). Chambers played at Hofstra from 1999-2003, starting 28 of the 79 games in which she appeared.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier women's basketball hires Iona's Billi Chambers to be head coach