After leading the Kent State women’s basketball team to its first NCAA Tournament since 2002, the program announced Thursday that coach Todd Starkey has been extended through the 2029-30 season. 

Starkey has been at the helm of KSU women’s basketball for eight seasons and is second all-time in the program with 143 wins. 

He has guided the Flashes to seven winning seasons, five postseason berths and 20 or more wins in three different campaigns. 

For the first time in 13 seasons, the Flashes won 21 games in consecutive seasons. 

“I am thrilled to announce a well-deserved extension for coach Starkey,” Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randale L. Richmond said in a statement. “He has maintained a high level of excellence in all facets of the Kent State women’s basketball program. The potential for this program under coach Starkey is limitless as we continue to work together to graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport, and continue to win championships.”

During Starkey’s tenure, KSU has beaten four Power Five teams: UCLA, Penn State, Oklahoma and Missouri. 

“I would like to thank President Diacon, Randale Richmond and the entire Kent State community for their continued support and vision for where Kent State women’s basketball can go,” Starkey said. “This community’s passion for women’s basketball became evident during our championship run this season. We are excited about pursuing more as we move forward.”

Jacob Shondel is sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].