Former University of Portland forward Anne Graner was hired as an assistant coach in July of 2008. Graner played two years with the Pilots (2005-07) after transferring from the North Dakota State College of Science.
Graner spent 2007-08 as a student assistant coach for the Pilots, while acquiring her teacher’s certificate.
"I am extremely excited to be able to continue my journey with the University of Portland and the Pilots," Graner said. "My experience at UP was academically and athletically challenging. As a coach, I hope to support the student-athletes’ academic and athletic goals and will strive to help our players find a balance that works for them and the program. I have high hopes for the team’s success this season."
In two years with the Pilots, Graner appeared in 58 games, while making 36 starts. The native of Red Wing, Minn., had career averages of 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, while her career free throw percentage of .755 ranks ninth all-time at UP. During her senior campaign in 2007, Graner was named to the West Coast Conference Winter All-Academic Team and the ESPN The Magazine/CoSida Academic All-District Second Team.
"Anne is going to bring the same intensity to her coaching as she did to her playing," said Sollars, "which will be greatly appreciated. She’s a hard worker, she understands basketball and she can relate to all of our players. She’s a professional and we’re looking forward to working with her."
Prior to coming to The Bluff, Graner was an All-American at the North Dakota State College of Science, where she spent two years. She finished as NDSCS’s all-time leader in steals (173), ranks third in career points (914) and is fifth in career assists (224).
Graner is Plainview High School’s (Minn.) all-time school leader with 1,697 career points, 691 assists, 1,027 rebounds and 86 steals. University of Portland names Anne Graner assistant women’s basketball coach.