April 18, 2007

Auburn, Ala. - Auburn assistant women's basketball coach Sue Guevara was named head coach at Central Michigan as announced by athletics director Dave Heeke on Wednesday. Guevara will join the Chippewa program in May.

"I wouldn't have left Auburn for just anywhere," Guevara said. "The Central Michigan position was an opportunity for me to go home and be near my family and have them go through the process with me and build this program. This is really something that I just couldn't pass up.

Auburn is on the edge and the program is getting ready to take a big step next year. When you put a lot into a program and put your heart in, it is hard to leave. It was just something that I couldn't pass up. I had always hoped to have the opportunity to lead again and Central Michigan has provided me this chance. I have learned a lot from Nell (Fortner) and from being in the SEC. I want to take a little bit of the SEC with me to the Mid-American Conference."

During her three years on the Plains, Auburn went 51-41, including a 21-13 ledger this season and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Women's NIT. In 2004 Guevara aided in bringing in three top recruits to the Tigers program - McDonald's All-American DeWanna Bonner, Alabama Miss Basketball Whitney Boddie and Louisiana Miss Basketball KeKe Carrier. During Guevara's time at Auburn, two players were sent to the WNBA.

"We are all very sorry to see Sue go," Auburn head coach Nell Fortner said. "On the other hand we are very happy for her because she is getting the opportunity to be a head coach again. That is something she has always had the desire to do again. In that regard it is a happy day for her. She has meant so much to this program and in getting this program to where it is right now, as an assistant coach and friend. Her overall enthusiasm and positive attitude permeated through this staff and our players. She will be sorely missed."

Guevara is a native of Saginaw, Mich., where she attended Saginaw St. Stevens High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 1982.