AMERICUS, Ga. -- Georgia Southwestern State University head coach Hana Haden has been named the 2024 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division II Coach of the Year. Haden will receive the Pat Summitt Trophy, named for the late legendary University of Tennessee coach and awarded annually to the coaches of the year in each of the WBCA's membership divisions.

"The WBCA is proud to announce Hana Haden as the 2024 recipient of the Pat Summitt Trophy presented to the WBCA NCAA Division II Coach of the Year," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle M. Donehew. "Hana was chosen for this honor after leading her team to an exceptional season. The WBCA recognizes and applauds her leadership example that can be seen in her student-athletes, institution and community."

Haden was introduced as GSW's head coach on May 1, 2023. In her introductory press conference, Haden said, "We don't plan to rebuild, but to reload." In 10 short months, she has led GSW to a school record for wins, its second consecutive Peach Belt Conference regular season championship, its second straight Peach Belt Conference Tournament title and its first-ever NCAA Tournament Southeast Region championship.

This season, newcomer Jashanti Simmons was named PBC Player of the Week, first team All-PBC, PBC All-Tournament Team and Southeast Region All-Tournament Team. Newcomer Leah Johnson earned PBC Defensive Player of the Year and PBC All-Tournament honors. Newcomer Ndidiamaka Ndukwe was named Southeast Region Tournament Most Outstanding Player. 

In addition, GSW received significant contributions from returners including senior Kayla Langley, who was named to the PBC Preseason All-Conference Team and went on to earn third team All-PBC honors as well as being named PBC Tournament Most Valuable Player and a member of the Southeast Region All-Tournament Team. Senior Destiny Garrett was named to her first all-conference team this season. Kayla Grant has started throughout the current 13-game winning streak and the 16 starts overall is the most for her in a season during her four-year GSW career.

"Our togetherness speaks to our connectivity," Haden said in her initial press conference. "This is important all season long, but in March it's a huge separating factor. What teams want to play with and for each other?" The Lady Hurricanes make their first Elite Eight appearance on Monday night in St. Joseph, Mo.