Two new coaches will be joining Utah women’s basketball head coach Lynne Roberts on the sideline next season.
The university announced Tuesday that Roberts completed her 2017-2018 coaching staff by announcing the hiring of assistant coach Joanna Reitz and strength and conditioning coach Emma Ostermann.
Reitz, who comes to Utah after spending two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina Aiken, will work primarily with the perimeter players as well as play a key role in recruiting. According to a press release sent out from the University of Utah, Ostermann “spent the last two years as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Northern Arizona.”
Filling the vacant seat of assistant coach did not come easy for Roberts.
"I was very patient in filling our assistant coaching position because of the importance of finding the absolute right fit for the continued advancement of our program. We found that person in Jo," Roberts said. "She has the ability to connect with our current players immediately and translate that trait to her recruiting. She is going to be key in our player development. Jo comes very highly recommended from some of the coaches in our profession that I trust the most. Every place that Jo has coached, the programs have improved. We are lucky to have her as part of our Utah family."
"Emma played Power 5 basketball at Kansas State, so it's awesome to get a strength and conditioning coach with that kind of perspective and experiences," Roberts said. "She is a young and up-and-coming talent that came highly recommended by some of the most respected strength coaches in the country. She is going to do a great job here."
Reitz helped lead the Shorter Lady Hawks to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 before she went to Mercer where she helped the Bears get to their second post-season appearance since 1985. She spent two seasons at Mercer before going to USC Aiken where she helped the Pacers Top-25 ranked opponents.
Reitz, who has not only proved herself as a coach, was a four-year starter when she played for Covenant College (2002-2006). She was also a three-time team captain, three-time all-academic selection and was named to the all-conference team in 2006.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the staff here at the University of Utah,” Reitz said. “The foundation is in place to be successful and I believe in the direction Coach Roberts is taking this program. Great things are ahead and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Ostermann‘s past includes being the strength and conditioning coach for men’s and women’s basketball and women’s soccer in Northern Arizona. Under Ostermann’s care, all three teams saw their injury rate decline.
“I am excited to be a part of a university that has a rich culture in student-athlete development on and off the court,” Ostermann said. “I look forward to working with the coaches and student-athletes to help take this program to new heights.”
Ostermann received her masters in sports medicine with an emphasis in strength and conditioning from Colorado in 2015.