Former Syracuse basketball player Josh Pace, who helped win it all for the Orange in 2003, is the new women’s head coach at Western New Mexico University.
Josh Pace, a pivotal reserve for Syracuse basketball when the Orange cut down the nets 17 years ago, has gotten hired as the head coach of women’s hoops at Western New Mexico University, a Division II school in Silver City, N.M.
First and foremost, a huge congrats to Josh on this awesome achievement!
Pace most recently served as the associate head coach for Western New Mexico over the last season, according to the university’s press release announcing his promotion. Prior to that, he spent four stanzas as an assistant coach with the Pepperdine women’s basketball squad.
At Western New Mexico, Pace replaces Lauren Unger at the helm of the Mustangs. Unger, who announced her decision to step down on February 29, went 24-76 in her tenure at Western New Mexico, per a separate release.
In 2019-20, the Mustangs recorded an overall record of 8-18, including a 5-17 mark in Western New Mexico’s league, which is the Lone Star Conference.
"Pace, in the announcement of his hiring, said: “Our main goal will be to come in and get better every day on and off the court. We will look to compete in the tough Lone Star Conference, also focus on our student-athletes to continue success in the classroom. Basketball has been an integral part of my story and I look forward to coaching the next generation of Mustang student-athletes.”"
From 2001 to 2005, Pace suited up for the ‘Cuse, and he then journeyed on a 10-year career playing professionally both aboard and in the United States.
During Syracuse’s Big Dance run to the program’s only national title in 2003, the 6-foot-5 wing mightily contributed, averaging 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals a game.
Pace accumulated 10.8 points and 5.0 boards per contest in his senior stint, the 2004–05 term. He earned an All-Big East honorable-mention nod for his efforts.
Orange boss Jim Boeheim took to Twitter to offer Pace some well-deserved praise.
"“Congratulations to Josh Pace, the new head women’s basketball coach at Western New Mexico. Josh was a key part of the 2003 NCAA Championship team at Syracuse. We wish him the best!”"
Perfectly put, coach Boeheim.