Utah women’s basketball extends head coach Lynne Roberts through 2027

After one of their most impressive seasons to date, the University of Utah women’s basketball team announced the extension of head coach Lynne Roberts through June of 2027. Photo: Courtesy of Utah Athletics/Xiangyao Tang.

SALT LAKE CITY — After one of their most impressive seasons to date, the University of Utah women’s basketball team announced the extension of head coach Lynne Roberts through June of 2027.

While the program had endured some intense ups and downs over the past few seasons, Roberts and the Utes rebounded strong in 2021, finishing with an overall record of 21-12 while making their first ever Pac-12 Championship appearance and recording their first NCAA tournament win since 2008.

“Lynne Roberts has steadily built a championship-level winning program in the most competitive women’s basketball conference in the country, and it is imperative that we reinforce support for her and her staff with this contract extension,” Athletics Director Mark Harlan said. “The breakthrough success her team enjoyed in 2021-22—playing in the Pac-12 championship game and advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament—was not an overnight sensation but a reflection of the incredibly solid and healthy foundation she has established to sustain success.”

Led by several freshman phenom’s, including Gianna Kneepkens and Jenna Johnson, Utah’s immediate future appears to be destined for greatness as Kneepkens was the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and Johnson earned Pac-12 All-Freshman honors. With so much promise in store and Roberts dedication finally paying off, the program has entrusted her with the reins for at least five more years.

“I love Utah, Salt Lake City, the University of Utah, and this athletic department,” remarked Roberts. “Beyond that, I believe in this place: the state, the community, the university, our athletics department and its leadership. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue to build a women’s basketball powerhouse in the Pac-12 here at the University of Utah. President Randall, Athletic Director Mark Harlan, and COO Charmelle Green – thank you for your support of women’s athletics and of our basketball program.  The best is yet to come!”

According to an early ESPN ranking, the Utes have been ranked No. 19 with high expectations to compete for the Pac-12 Championship yet again.

“Roberts has the foundation to produce the best stretch the program has ever seen,” ESPN reporter Charlie Creme stated.

Entering what will be her eighth season with the Utes, Roberts holds an overall record of 112-99.