BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University women's basketball head coach Angel Elderkin is happy to announce the addition of former Southern Maine Hall of Fame head coach Gary Fifield as assistant to the head coach, while promoting former director of basketball operations Katie Dempsey to assistant coach.

“With practices officially starting, it was really important that we hire the best pieces for our Appalachian women's basketball program,“said Elderkin. “My philosophy as a head coach is that you win in life with the people that you surround yourself with, and I couldn't be more excited with the addition of Gary Fifield and the promotion of Kate Dempsey to assistant coach.”

Fifield will bring a championship pedigree to the Appalachian Staff as he turned Southern Maine into one of the nation's premiere Division III women's basketball programs in 27 seasons, capturing 21 Little East Conference championships, appearing in 26 NCAA Division III Tournaments, 16 Sweet Sixteens, 10 Elite Eights, five Final Fours and three National Finals appearances. Fifield retired at the end of the 2014-15 season with an impressive 660-137 (.838) record.

“It's a unique privilege to have the opportunity to work with one of your former student-athletes,” stated Fifield. “Angel's hard work and dedication as an athlete obviously translated into her coaching career, and I look forward to helping her as a member of her staff. She's a tremendous young coach who has worked very hard to establish herself to be successful”.

It won't be the first time Fifield and Elderkin will team up on the same squad,as Elderkin played under Fifield from 1995-99 where the two helped the Huskies capture three conference championships and a National Finals runner-up appearance. The two hope to achieve the same level of success at App State.

“Having the opportunity to hire Gary, my former college coach, is a very special opportunity for myself and our Appalachian State community,” stated Elderkin. “He has been a mentor to me for the last 15 years and will bring an additional championship mindset to our program. Gary's history of success is impeccable and we are very fortunate that Gary has decided to be a part of our women's basketball program.”

Fifield's responsibilities will include assisting in the day-to-day operations of the program while overseeing opponent scouting and game-planning.

Dempsey moves into a new role at Appalachian State as an assistant coach. Dempsey, who gained valuable expertise and experience as a student-athlete at Wofford, a professional basketball player in Portugal and as Appalachian's director of operations since December, will oversee the development of the Mountaineers' post players while also assisting in recruiting.

“After spending a season working in the operations role at App State, I am beyond excited with the direction that this program is going,” said Dempsey. “ I have complete trust in what we're doing and in Coach Elderkin. I am thrilled for the opportunity to move into the assistant coaching position and get on the road to find new Mountaineers.  I am very grateful of Coach Elderkin's trust in me and I look forward to bringing App to the top of the Sun Belt.”

“Kate Dempsey joined our program in December and has been a natural fit since day one,” mentioned Elderkin. “Her passion for building relationships with student-athletes shines through in every capacity.  We are excited about her knowledge and experience as a former player to help mentor our veteran group of post players this season.”

In addition, former Mountaineer standout Katie Mallow will further her education in the master's program at App State and work as a graduate manager under the coaching staff.

The Apps will kick-off the season against Lenoir-Rhyne on Nov. 7 at 12:00 p.m. before opening up the regular season against 2015 NCAA Tournament participate Liberty on Nov. 13 at the Holmes Center at 11:30 a.m.