Michigan State has hired Robyn Fralick as its next women’s basketball coach, the program announced Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fralick comes to East Lansing from Bowling Green, where she coached for five years, twice leading the Falcons to the WNIT.
- The Okemos, Mich., native grew up just miles from the Michigan State campus and has spent the bulk of her playing and coaching career in the Midwest.
- Fralick replaces Suzy Merchant, who stepped down in March, citing health concerns, after leading the Spartans since 2007. Merchant went 327-186 in 16 seasons and guided the Spartans to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and two conference titles.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What does this mean for Michigan State?
Fralick is a really solid hire for the Spartans. She’s a local kid coming home, which is going to help rev up the fan base a bit. She also knows the Midwest deeply as a recruiter and is well respected by her peers in the business as a coach who can elevate her team’s play. — Jennings
What can we expect from the Spartans under Fralick?
It’s definitely an uphill climb. Not only has the Big Ten’s top group strengthened of late but also the top half of the league has gotten significantly better over the last several seasons. Indiana, Ohio State, Maryland…
