Virginia Union University women’s basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert continues to add hardware to her already crowded trophy case following a record-breaking season on Lombardy Street.

The first-year Lady Panthers head coach, who guided the team to a historic 28-win season and a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament’s Elite Eight, just received the latest acknowledgment for her coaching excellence. On Monday, Coach Gilbert was named the 2015-16 Big House Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. “We are pleased to recognize Coach Gilbert for the outstanding job she did this season,” stated NSMA Executive Director Dave Goren in a news release. “Her team had a historic season and (she) truly deserves this award.”

The award is named for coaching legend Clarence “Big House” Gaines, the late Winston-Salem State University men’s basketball coach whose team won 878 games, including the 1967 Division II national championship. Coach Gilbert is to receive the award at the NSMA’s 57th Awards Banquet on June 20 in Salisbury, N.C. Just weeks earlier, Coach Gilbert was honored as the Advocate for Athletic Equity Division II Coach of the Year.

Known for her basketball acumen and stylish court attire, Coach Gilbert is still flying high after her team’s amazing run last month in the NCAA Tournament. The exciting run ended with a nail-biting 53-52 loss to Bentley University on March 22 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

“I think it has been a terrific season,” Coach Gilbert proudly said afterward. “Not many teams advance to the Elite Eight.” Her team was the first VUU women’s basketball squad to earn a trip to the Elite Eight since 1984 when the Lady Panthers lost in the championship game to Central Missouri State.

In 1983, the Lady Panthers won the NCAA crown under late head Coach Lou Hearns by topping Cal Poly Pomona. This year’s Lady Panthers were led by Division II Player of the Year Kiana Johnson, CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Lady Walker and a strong supporting cast as they finished with 28 wins and only three losses. En route to the Elite Eight, Virginia Union also added the Atlantic Region and CIAA Tournament crowns to its victory belt. Here’s a look at this week’s winning Personality, Coach AnnMarie Gilbert:

Date and place of birth: Aug. 2 in Elyria, Ohio.

Current residence: Richmond.

Alma maters: Oberlin College, bachelor’s degree; Cleveland State University, master’s degree.

Family: Husband Jonathan, a former VUU men’s basketball standout; daughter Jada Walker; and son Jaden Walker.

How I received news that I was selected: I received a telephone call from the NSMA.

Why I’m a coach: I had a chance to play basketball at the high school and college levels. I believe my association with the game has opened so many doors for me. This is my way to give back and inspire young people through the game. I can provide scholarships to young women that may change their lives forever.

Number of years coaching: 22 years.

Where did you coach prior to coming to VUU: I was the head coach at Eastern Michigan University from 2007 through 2012, compiling a 94-64 record. Prior to that, I spent three seasons as an assistant coach on the Michigan State University coaching staff. From 1994 through 2002, I was the head coach at Division III Oberlin College.

What is your basketball playing background: I played two seasons at Ohio University, earning Most Outstanding Defensive Player and All-Mid-American Conference honors in 1988. I transferred to Oberlin College for my junior and senior seasons, where I was a two-time, first-team Kodak All-American. As a junior, I led the nation in scoring, averaging 31.1 points.

Coaches should be: Mentors, teachers and individuals to set a positive example for those who follow them.

Reaction to winning CIAA Tournament championship: It was one of our proudest moments this season. It was one of our goals we set for the team. When I was hired, we wanted to come in and make a statement.

Did you expect to win: One of our goals was to win the Northern Division and CIAA and Atlantic Region tournaments. We fell three games short of the ultimate goal, which was to win the national title.

The key to winning titles: The acronym W.I.L.L., which stands for Work hard, I will be invested, Loyal and show Leadership in everything.

Our players were invested in: The mission of our program and they worked hard. We are a close-knit family unit. This is a team that has a 3.1 cumulative GPA. They are great young ladies and they deserve a lot of credit.

How much time I spend coaching: I have learned a lot. I have learned to have greater balance in my life. When you are a young coach, there is not enough time in the day. I have grown as a coach to make time for family and relaxing. This year, I got it right.

Who influenced me to become a coach: Two people: My high school coach, Jim Vincent, and Vivian Stringer, the women’s head coach at Rutgers University. Coach Vincent passed away when I was a freshman in college. He believed in me, told me what to expect. I have watched Coach Stringer as a young coach until now. I respect and applaud her for mentoring so many young women. She has been a great inspiration as a coach. 

Role of sports in developing young people to become good citizens: Sports is so important in the development of young people. There is a measure of discipline that you get from sports. There is an element of being responsible and accountable that comes from sports. Sports helps teach so many good qualities in young people, for example, having a work ethic. Sports brings out an internal drive in us through competition.

Advice to youngsters interested in a coaching career: The women’s game needs more young people to be interested and excited in it. At the high school or college level, connect with coaches in your community, ask to do internships, interview them, inquire about opportunities for shadowing and find a mentor. The earlier you can identify that coaching is your interest, the sooner you can get in involved at the youth level.

Teaching philosophy: I believe success is in the details. A part of my philosophy is teaching young people how to be excellent. There is a difference between being perfect and excellent. We want our young people to strive for excellence. You can’t cut corners and think that you are going to reach the ultimate prize. We want our players to be model students, model athletes and model citizens.

What makes me tick: A challenge. I am up for every challenge. I am a problem solver. I love challenges.

Biggest chance I’ve ever taken: Maybe taking the job at VUU. I had never coached at the Division II level. I inherited a team that did not have a winning record. I am glad that VUU took a chance on me, and what a perfect match we make.

How I face the day:  My day starts with prayer and ends with prayer. I walk by faith and not by sight. I am more grateful each and every day. Your outlook becomes the outcome. I always have a positive outlook.

Nobody knows that: I once scored 61 points as a player in a single game.

Best late-night snack: Hershey’s bar.

Quality I most admire in another person: Spirituality.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: To believe in myself.

The person who influenced me the most: My mother, Barbara Chapman, who passed away on Sept. 11, 2015. She is my “shero.”

My next goal: To win a national championship here at Virginia Union University.