On Friday, Portland State University hired former UNLV Lady Rebels assistant coach Karlie Burris as the new head women’s basketball coach.
Burris brings her experience from a successful UNLV women’s basketball program for the last four seasons. Under coach Lindy La Rocque, Burris helped lead UNLV to four consecutive Mountain West Conference regular season titles as well as three Mountain West Conference tournament championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
“We are extremely excited to bring Karlie into our Viking family. She’s been a key component in a winning culture the past four seasons at UNLV. Moreover, at every stage of the interview process, she displayed a dedication, focus and preparedness that will help turn around our women’s basketball program,” Billings said of Burris.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the new head women’s basketball coach at Portland State University. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Athletic Director Matt Billings, Senior Woman Administrator Jasmine Miller and the entire search committee for their belief and confidence in me to lead this program. I would also like to thank Lindy La Rocque for her mentorship and the invaluable experience I gained while winning championships at UNLV. That experience has played a pivotal role in preparing me for this incredible opportunity,” Burris said.
“I am thrilled to join the Portland State community and cannot wait to lead the women’s basketball program to new heights. Together, we will work hard, compete with passion, and create a winning culture that everyone can be proud of,” Burris Continued.
Burris also has roots in Portland having played collegiately under Jim Sollars at the University of Portland from 2005-09. She was a two-time All-West Coast Conference honorable mention, helping lead the Pilots to their first postseason appearance in 10 seasons as a senior where they lost to Portland State in the first round of the WNIT.
