UM women’s basketball coach Katie Meier signs contract extension, donates $75K

University of Miami women’s basketball coach Katie Meier, saying she has “deep roots here and would like to give back,” on Monday signed a contract extension through the 2021 season. She then announced she was donating $75,000 to UM women’s athletics in an effort to jump-start a fundraising campaign.

“When this contract extension was presented to me, my first thought was of gratitude and excitement to continue my career here at the University of Miami,” Meier said. “At the same moment, I thought it was the proper time to show a great appreciation to President [Donna] Shalala, [athletic director] Blake James and [Deputy AD/Senior Woman Administrator] Jennifer Strawley.

“I want our young women to be able to share the incredible impact that athletics has had on my life. I believe that this gift is the best way to do it.”

Meier has been at UM since 2005, and led the Hurricanes to their fifth consecutive postseason appearance last season. In 2010-11, her team went 26-3 and she was named co-National Coach of the Year with Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma and Stanford’s Tara Vanderveer.

Meier also coached the U.S. Under-19 national team to a 9-0 record and the world championship in 2013, and was co-winner of USA Basketball National Coach of the Year with Florida’s Billy Donovan.

“We are thrilled that Coach Meier has agreed to lead our women’s basketball program through the 2021 season,” James said. “Katie embodies the values of this institution, and her dedication to her student-athletes, this university and our community is unmatched.”

With her donation, Meier urged UM fans to contribute to women’s sports.

“I would like to challenge the University of Miami and South Florida communities to jump on board and support all the wonderful things that are happening within our department and within women’s athletics,” she said. “Participating in sports does make a long-term difference in a woman’s life. The opportunities that collegiate athletics creates for our student-athletes allow them to grow and learn as members of our university community, and most importantly provide an unbelievable foundation for success in life.”

Said Strawley: “Katie’s commitment to our entire athletics program and her generous financial commitment to women’s athletics demonstrate her belief in Miami and her understanding of the incredibly positive impact athletics has on the lives of young people and in particular young woman.

This story was originally published October 13, 2014 at 12:55 PM with the headline "UM women’s basketball coach Katie Meier signs contract extension, donates $75K."