Change has been made to the University of Utah Women’s Basketball Team. Head Coach Lynne Roberts announced Monday that Gavin Petersen has been promoted to Assistant Head Coach.
The 2018-19 season will be Petersen’s fourth season with the Utes. That will bring his total years of Division I coaching to 16. At Utah, Petersen has been a part of the staff that has led the Utes to three straight postseason appearances and two 18-win seasons.
“It’s been a privilege being a part of the University of Utah women’s basketball program over the last three seasons, and having the opportunity to work alongside Lynne for as long as I have has been a blessing,” Petersen said. “I want to express my gratitude to Lynne, Dr. Hill, Kyle Brennan, Nona Richardson and the rest of the athletic administration here at Utah for naming me an associate head coach. It really is a tremendous honor and I’m humbled by this promotion.”
Petersen works with the Utah post players and coordinates the defense. Under his direction, Utah has finished in the top-half of the Pac-12 in field goal percentage defense the last two seasons and in the top-three in defensive rebounds per game in the last three seasons.
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In his four seasons at Utah, Petersen has been integral in developing some of the best post players in the Pac-12, including three-time All-Pac-12 selection Emily Potter and first-team selection from 2018 Megan Huff. Under his direction, Potter leaves Utah ranked in the top-10 all-time in career offensive, defensive and total rebounds and holds the school records in career and single-season blocks.
“I’m very fortunate to be working alongside great people on our staff and I love working with our team,” Petersen said. “I’m excited to continue serving and representing the University of Utah for years to come as we continue to elevate our women’s basketball program.”
In 2017-18, the Utes finished the season ranked No. 30 in the NCAA in rebounding margin with Potter and Huff ranked in the top-10 in the Pac-12 in rebounds per game. He coached Huff to a standout season in the Pac-12, ranking in the top-12 in scoring, field goal percentage and free throw percentage, along with blocks, offensive, defensive and total rebounds per game.
In his second season with the Utes, Petersen coached the Utah defense to a No. 24 ranking nationally in defensive rebounds per game, also finishing in the top-half of the conference in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense, blocked shots and defensive rebounds. He saw Potter earn All-Pac-12 honors after setting a single-season record at Utah in blocks.
During his first season with the Utes, Petersen was a part of the staff that doubled their win total with 18 victories compared to nine in 2014-15. It was Utah’s first winning season since 2012-13 as they headed to the third round of the WNIT.
Prior to Utah, Petersen spent to seasons at the University of the Pacific under Roberts, helping the Tigers to consecutive WNIT appearances. He also served as an assistant coach at Hawaii, Idaho and Idaho State, helping eight teams reach the postseason.