Even before she arrived at Seattle Pacific, Julie van Beek knew all about highly successful women's basketball programs. After all, she build one from the ground up at Nashville's Trevecca Nazarene, and that school became an NAIA power.
Here, van Beek took over what already was an elite NCAA Division II program, and the Falcons haven't missed a beat under her leadership. In van Beek's first three seasons, SPU has a 73-16 record: 24-6, 20-9 and last year's 29-1.
That should be no surprise, as van Beek's last six teams at Trevecca Nazarene averaged 21 wins and reached the postseason six times.
A Northwest native, van Beek was selected in 2006 to succeed Gordy Presnell, who resigned after 18 seasons to accept the head coaching position at Boise State.
During her nine years at Trevecca Nazarene, van Beek rapidly lifted the Trojans to national prominence at the NAIA Division I level. Her team went from four wins the first season to 15 the next. That streak of six trips in six year to the national tournament included a quarterfinal finish in 2005.
Trevecca Nazarene was a combined 162-119 under van Beek, who is the first female coach for Seattle Pacific women's basketball since Ann Steffen (1978-82). She is the sixth coach overall for the program that began in 1975.
Van Beek was honored by Northwest Nazarene as the 2004 winner of the school's Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award, which recognizes Christian character, demonstrated leadership, professional endeavors and support of their alma mater.
She is a member of the USA Basketball Selection Committee, and has served as the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches Association president.
During her playing career at Northwest Nazarene, van Beek twice led the Crusaders in season scoring, and was the top rebounder three times. She remains among the school's career leaders in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.
Van Beek was an assistant for Oklahoma's Southern Nazarene from 1992-96 when that program won three NAIA titles. After graduating from Nampa Christian High School in Idaho, van Beek earned her B.A. in education from Northwest Nazarene in 1989, and her master's in education from Southern Nazarene in 1994.
She is confident the Falcons will maintain their high level of play during the 2008-09 season.
"Our team is very committed. I love the way our returners came back. They really worked hard this summer, and every one of them improved," she said. "That gives them a lot of confidence. We have good versatility and athleticism at every position. With those strengths, we have the potential to be a very good team."