Antoine hired as an assistant coach

NOTE FOR RADIO/TV: Pronunciations – zen-AH-ray AN-twan

FAYETTEVILLE – Zenarae Antoine becomes the second member of the University of Arkansas women’s basketball coaching staff, Lady Razorback head coach Tom Collen announced today.

“I am really excited that Zenarae decided to join us on the staff at Arkansas,” Collen said. “She has been the recruiting coordinator at several schools and has a vast knowledge of all the top players in the country.”

A former assistant coach with Collen at Louisville, Antoine joins associate head coach Timothy Eatman as the first hires for the new staff at Arkansas.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with the Lady’Backs and to continue working with Coach Collen,” Antoine said. “I’ve been with Coach Collen at two great institutions, first as his player and second as his assistant coach. In both places we were able to reach record levels. The third time will be even more exciting and fun. I look forward to being a part of this great family at Arkansas.”

“Zenarae is a great communicator, and that is one of her top strengths for our staff,” Collen said. “All the players at Louisville felt comfortable working with her.”

Antoine was the recruiting coordinator at Louisville, and guided the Cardinals to nationally-ranked recruiting classes her four seasons at UL. Her last two recruiting classes were No. 26 for 2006 and No. 25 for 2007. Among the most notable signees for the Cardinals were Kodak All-American and 2007 Big East Player of the Year Angel McCoughtry and Kodak Junior College All-American Helen Johnson.

At Arkansas, Antoine will serve as the recruiting coordinator for the Lady’Backs, and will work with post players. In addition, Antoine serves as the academic liaison for the basketball staff.

“Coach Collen has always spoken highly about his time at Arkansas, and from the moment I stepped off the plane I understand why,” Antoine said. “(Women’s Athletics Director) Bev Lewis and her staff run a first-class department and it is reflected in the achievements of all the Lady’Back programs.”

Prior to Louisville, Antoine spent two seasons as an assistant at Ohio University where she was responsible for recruiting for the Bobcats. Antoine also has one season as an assistant for College of Charleston.

Antoine received her master’s from Ohio where her coaching career began as a graduate assistant.

During her playing career at Colorado State, Antoine was a three-year starter for the Rams. She played her senior season for Collen as CSU went 24-6 and reached the NCAA second round during his first season as head coach.

“As a former player for Coach Collen, I can reassure everyone that not only is he a great thinker of the game, but he is a very caring, thoughtful and kind person,” Antoine said. “He is a proven winner, and what I can promise the community, out student-athletes and our recruits is that through Coach Collen’s leadership we will work hard and take the Lady’Backs to new heights.”

Working with posts and guards during her coaching career, Antoine was an anchor in the middle for CSU during her playing days. She finished her career third in blocked shots and seventh in rebounding. She also ranks high for single season rebounds and blocked shots. During her career, CSU had two league titles and two NCAA appearances.

Married to Wofford College assistant football coach Ronald Antoine, the native of Katy, Texas, earned her bachelor’s degree from CSU in 1998; her master’s at Ohio in 2000.