The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball coaching staff expands by one this season as Lauren Stodola joins as a graduate assistant to head coach Annette Wiles.

Stodola joins the Bulldogs after a four-year playing career at Grand Valley State University while continuing her education in UMD's Masters of Education program.

"We are very excited to add Lauren to our coaching staff," said Wiles. "Her work ethic, basketball experience, and high recommendations make her excellent for this position."

Stodola earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education with a concentration in sports management at Grand Valley State, and served as an intern to the senior women's administrator involved in game and event operations. She also served on the Student Athletic Advisory Council while earning the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Academic Award for three seasons. She earned All-GLIAC preseason honors before the 2012-13 season before an injury ended her playing career

In addition to coaching at Grand Valley State's women's basketball camps the past three seasons, Stodola has served as the associate head coach for the AAU Grand Rapids Storm 15U Elite team and participated in the "So, You Want to be a Coach?" program at the 2013 WBCA national convention in New Orleans.

Coaches Wiles, Stodola, and the Bulldogs will begin the 2013-14 season November 15-16 at the Central Missouri Classic in Rolla, Mo.