FARGO, N.D.--North Dakota State University head women's basketball coach Carolyn DeHoff announced Ali Prichard has been promoted from director of operations to assistant women's basketball coach. DeHoff made the announcement today.

“I couldn't be more pleased that Coach (Carolyn) DeHoff has given me the opportunity to take the next step in my career while remaining at NDSU,” said Prichard.

“This promotion will present a situation that will be mutually beneficial to both the NDSU women's basketball program as well as my professional and personal growth, and I'm excited to begin making that a reality.”

Prichard takes over for Mary Grothe, who left the program at the end of June. Prichard was the director of operations for two seasons. Prichard will assume more recruiting responsibilities, coordinate player academic progress and oversee equipment administration.

DeHoff also said current assistant coaches, Jaime Berry and Kelly Roysland, have assumed additional duties. Berry will take over scheduling along with her on-court, gameplan and practice duties. Roysland will supervise recruiting efforts and player development.

“I am extremely pleased and confident in the direction our staff is taking this program. The promotion of Ali (Prichard) to an assistant coach position is a direct reflection of her capabilities and being able to utilize, and maximize Jaime and Kelly's abilities in player development,” said DeHoff.

“Ali is ready for the new role and we expect the recruiting plan that Kelly has put in place will continue and develop even further.”

A native of Apple Valley, Minn., Prichard was a four-year letterwinner and two-year starter for Princeton University from 2004-08. She was team captain as a senior and tied the school's career record for games played (112). Prichard graduated with her bachelors degree in psychology in June 2008. She wrote an 80-page senior thesis on coaching behaviors and philosophies based on in-depth interviews of 17 Princeton University head coaches.

Prichard was a three-sport letterwinner in basketball, tennis and softball all four years at Apple Valley High School. She was voted the school's Female Athlete of the Year in 2004. Prichard was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top five percent of her class.

Active during the off-season, Prichard worked summer camps at Princeton, the University of Minnesota and the Janet Karvonen Basketball camps.