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.