MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In an exciting move for Mountaineer fans, Ross Hodge has officially been appointed as the 24th head men's basketball coach at West Virginia University.

Known for his remarkable coaching abilities, Hodge has a stunning 80% winning record and is celebrated as one of the premier defensive strategists in the nation.

Wren Baker, the Vice President and Director of Athletics, praised Hodge, stating, “He is a proven winner and leader who has demonstrated success at every stop of his career. His teams exhibit toughness and grit, qualities that will resonate with Mountaineer Nation. More importantly, Ross is a wonderful person and a dedicated family man, and we are thrilled to welcome the Hodge family to our community.”

At 44 years old, Hodge has spent the past eight seasons at North Texas, where he has been instrumental in building a competitive program. In his two seasons as head coach, he led the team to a commendable 46-23 record, including a remarkable 27 wins this past season, positioning North Texas in the semifinals of the NIT.

Hodge expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "It is with great honor and humility that I accept this position. I have immense respect for the people of West Virginia, and my focus will be on embodying that pride through our team's play."

Under his leadership, North Texas achieved impressive statistics, ranking third nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 59.9 points per game. Hodge has shown his ability to adapt and grow teams, turning a roster with many newcomers into a formidable competitor, significantly surpassing preseason expectations.

Hodge's coaching credentials extend beyond his recent success. Before leading North Texas, he served as the associate head coach at the institution under Grant McCasland, where he contributed to a notable record of 135-65. His previous experiences include impactful stints at Arkansas State and Colorado State, where he was pivotal in identifying talent and boosting teams to postseason action.

Last season, Hodge was recognized as a finalist for the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year Award, acknowledging his exceptional performance as a rookie head coach. This accolade is particularly impressive considering he was the only rookie coach to lead his team to a significant postseason tournament.

Hodge's success is not a recent phenomenon; he was also an outstanding junior college head coach, compiling an extraordinary overall record of 146-24, leading his teams to multiple championships and accolades.

With Hodge's strategic acumen, dedication, and a proven blueprint for success, the West Virginia Mountaineers are primed for a thrilling era in college basketball. The Mountaineer Nation eagerly anticipates how Hodge will shape the program moving forward, as he aims to build on the proud tradition of West Virginia basketball.