May 8, 2002
Columbia, SC –
Coach Susan Walvius, who in 2001-02 led the University of South Carolina women’s basketball program to its most successful NCAA season ever, has received a new five-year contract from the school. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees approved the new employment agreement Wednesday morning.
Under Coach Walvius’ direction, the Gamecocks advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight this past season and finished with a final national ranking of number six in the country. USC posted a 25-7 record and turned in its highest finish ever in the Southeastern Conference, with its 10-4 conference slate good for a runner-up spot during the regular season. Walvius was named SEC Coach of the Year and was a finalist for national coach of the year. Following the season, two of her outstanding seniors – Shaunzinski Gortman and Teresa Geter – were drafted by the WNBA, with Gortman being the first SEC player selected as the #9 pick by the league overall.
Coach Walvius’ new contract will run for five years, through May 31, 2007. At the conclusion of the fourth year (5/31/06), the term of the contract will automatically be extended for one year, unless the University on or before 5/1/06 provides written notice of non-extension. Thereafter, at the conclusion of each year (5/31), the term will automatically be extended for one year unless written notice of non-extension is provided on or before 5/1 of such year.
Here is a summary of Coach Walvius’ new agreement: (note: all funds excluding the outside income are paid through athletics department revenues):
* Annual base salary will be $150,000
* Will receive annual supplemental compensation of $50,000
* Opportunity to receive additional income based on the following incentives package: will receive $10,000 in any year that the team receives a first round bye in the seeding of the SEC Tournament; will receive $15,000 in any year that the team wins the SEC Tournament championship; will receive $15,000 in any year that the team is selected to participate in the NCAA Tournament; will receive $25,000 in any year that the team advances to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament; will receive $20,000 in any year that the team advances to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament; will receive $50,000 in any year that the team advances to the NCAA Final Four; will receive $75,000 in any year that the team wins the NCAA Championship; will receive $7,500 in any year that the team is selected to participate in the women’s NIT; will receive $20,000 in any year that the team wins the women’s NIT; will receive $15,000 in any year that Coach Walvius is named the SEC Coach of the Year; will receive $25,000 in any year that Coach Walvius is named the National Coach of the Year by AP, ESPN, WBCA and/or Sporting News (the above mentioned incentives package will apply to the recently completed 2001-02 season)
* Coach Walvius will receive $100,000 from the University if she remains its head coach until 5/31/07. If the University prior to that time terminates her, she will receive $20,000 for each year of the contract she has worked through the effective date of termination
* Coach Walvius may terminate the contract upon 30 days written notice. In such event, Coach Walvius will pay 50% of her base salary for the remaining term of the contract, plus 50% of an amount equal to $20,000 for each year of the initial five-year term she has worked through the effective date of termination
* Coach Walvius will earn outside income from television and radio, through Host Communications. She also will earn outside income from coaching apparel and/or shoe companies
Mike McGee, USC director of athletics, says the new contract symbolizes Carolina’s continued quest for a championship-caliber women’s basketball program.
“Our women’s team is coming off the most successful season in the program’s history and we are very optimistic about the future,” said McGee. “Coach Walvius has provided strong leadership to this program and has ingratiated herself and the team within the community. She and her staff have the Carolina program headed to the top and we look forward to many more successful seasons under her capable leadership.”
“I’m extremely honored and grateful for this new contract extension,” said Coach Walvius. “The support and commitment from the University and athletics administration is obvious and rings strong. We did have an exciting season in 2001-02 and that is a tribute to the hard work from our players and assistant coaches. Our goals remain high; we want to win championships and we want to provide our women with every opportunity to reach their potential academically and as young people. These are exciting times for Carolina. The athletics program is definitely on the rise towards the top. We look forward to playing next season in what should be one of the finest facilities in college basketball and we look forward to providing our loyal Gamecock fans with a championship-caliber program for many years to come.”
