Mechelle has some thoughts on the new hires: New in the North

There are two new coaches in the North Division of the Big 12, with Robin Pingeton taking over at Missouri (she was formally announced at a press conference Thursday), and Linda Lappe named Colorado’s new coach at a press briefing this morning in Boulder.

Pingeton comes from Illinois State; Lappe, who is a former Buffs player, from Division II Metro State.

I am trying to take some deep breaths and sort out my thoughts on these two hires. Actually, I was up most of the night writing those thoughts, but I don’t want to publish all that just yet without a little more time to ponder the situations. If that gives you some indication my reaction to both is not exactly positive, that’s a correct guess.

and New coaches, more thoughts

Had a long chat with former Buffs coach Ceal Barry on the decision to hire her former player, Linda Lappe, as Colorado’s new head coach. Barry made a lot of positive points about Lappe. But Barry also was realistic about how some people will react to such a youthful coach -- she is 30 -- getting her first shot at Division I after not being a head coach at that level before. Barry’s sense of optimism, though, was very strong.