ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (Mar. 23) – Gordy Presnell, who has taken Seattle Pacific University to an unbeaten season and a berth in the NCAA Elite Eight, was named the Russell Athletic/Women's Basketball Coaches Association coach of the year in NCAA Division II for the second year in a row Tuesday.

Gordy Presnell was named the Russell Athletic/Women's Basketball Coaches Association coach of the year in NCAA Division II for the second year in a row.

Presnell was earlier voted both coach of the year in the West Region and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. He will be formally presented the award April 6 at the WBCA National Convention, held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women's Final Four in New Orleans. Presnell will also serve on the coaching staff of WBCA College All-Star team which will play the USA Basketball Women’s Senior National Team Apr. 3, also in New Orleans.

"This honor and this season comes totally unexpected," said Presnell. "I accept it on behalf of the university and a truly exceptional group of young women who already have made this such a special season."

The announcement was made during the Elite Eight tournament banquet.

Under Presnell, the Falcons won all 27 regular-season games and the GNAC title for the second year in a row. Seattle Pacific, ranked No. 1 in the nation since Feb. 25, won the West Region championship and meets No. 2 Drury (Mo.) in a national quarterfinal game Wednesday at 12 noon Pacific.

The Falcons’ 30 wins is a new record and it is the second trip to the Elite Eight for Presnell. In 17 seasons, his teams have averaged over 21 wins. This was Seattle Pacific’s eighth straight trip to the Div. II tournament and the fifth conference crown in eight years.