Erika Lang-Montgomery (on left) became the 18th head coach for Flagler women's basketball today.
by John Jordan, Sports Information Director
7/2/2009 3:33:32 PM
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. − Flagler College athletic director Jud Damon announced Erika Lang-Montgomery as the 18th head coach of the women’s basketball program, this afternoon (July 2). She will begin at Flagler July 13.
“We are looking forward to Erika joining our staff here at Flagler,” said Damon. “She brings a wealth of outstanding coaching experience. I know she’ll be successful in ensuring a quality collegiate athletic experience for our women’s basketball players and continue to move the program forward to even greater successes.”
Lang-Montgomery brings 14 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience to Flagler. She has served on the staffs of Purdue University (1995-96), Florida State University (1996-97), the University of Southern California (1997-2000), Wichita State University (2003-08) and most recently, the University of North Texas (2008-09).
“I am truly thankful and extremely blessed that (Flagler President) Dr. William T. Abare, Jr. and Mr. Damon have given me this opportunity,” said Lang-Montgomery. “I am proud to become part of the Flagler family.
I look forward to working with the team and becoming a contender in the Peach Belt Conference.”
Last year at North Texas, she served as the recruiting coordinator for the Mean Green and head coach Shanice Stephens. In her stint at UNT, the Mean Green posted an 11-20 record and a 6-12 mark in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division. Lang-Montgomery helped coach first-team all-conference selection, Amber Jackson.
Prior to North Texas, she was the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Wichita State for Head Coach Jane Albright, whom she also served as an assistant for at Wisconsin. Lang-Montgomery recruited two players who earned Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team honors, including 2005 MVC Freshman of the Year, Kiki Stephens. She helped develop the conference’s leading rebounder, Antionette Wells, in 2005 and 2006 as well as having several players earn all-conference and all-defensive team accolades.
At Wisconsin, she helped develop players into all-Big Ten Conference selections. Lang-Montgomery was active in recruiting players in the upper Midwest and in South Carolina.
In her stint at USC, she was able to land back-to-back nationally ranked recruiting classes.
Lang-Montgomery graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports sciences with a specialization in sports administration. She was a four-year letter winner for the Gators and was selected to the 1989 All-Southeastern Conference Freshman Team. Lang-Montgomery ranks in the top ten in three different career categories at Florida – rebounds (647), free throws attempted (359) and blocked shots (45). She led the Gators in field goals made as a junior, field goal percentage as a sophomore and blocked shots as a freshman.
A native of Jacksonville, Lang-Montgomery graduated form nearby Bishop Kenny High School in 1988. She averaged 16.9 points 13.8 rebounds per game as a senior for Head Coach Brian Whitmire. Lang-Montgomery earned first-team All-City and second-team All-State honors as a senior.
Lang-Montgomery is married to Larry Montgomery and the couple has two sons, Jaden (7) and Justin (4).
Lang-Montgomery replaces Sherri Abbey-Nowatzki who resigned after a three-year stint at Flagler and a 33-55 overall record.
Flagler starts competition in the Peach Belt Conference this year and is full-fledged members of NCAA Division II.