CUNNINGHAM ADDS GUENSCH TO WOMEN'S BASKETBALL STAFF
07/07/200
RICHMOND, Va.—Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball coach Beth Cunningham officially announced the addition of Darren Guensch to her staff. Guensch will serve as the director of women’s basketball operations. He previously served in the same capacity for two seasons at George Mason. Guensch replaces Joe Haigh, who was named an assistant coach at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.

"I'm extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the women's basketball program here at VCU,” Guensch said. “While spending the last couple years in the CAA, the quality and character of VCU's program and coaching staff were always evident. I feel very fortunate to learn and contribute here."

"We're really excited with the addition of Darren to the VCU women's basketball program," Cunningham said. "Having come from another CAA school, he is familiar with the schools in our conference. We feel like he brings a lot of valuable assets to our program."

Guensch arrived at Mason after serving as head coach for the 2005-06 season for the freshman girls’ basketball team at Loudoun County High School where he was also an assistant coach for the varsity girls’ basketball team. The freshmen squad compiled a 16-2 overall record, which included a 14-game winning streak, under Guensch. The varsity team won the Dulles District Championship, as well as the Region 2 Championship this past season. In addition, the Raiders advanced to the state finals round of four for the Virginia AA schools and closed out the year with the best record in school history, 29-2.

During the summer of 2005, Guensch did an internship with the Push The Rock, which is a Christian sports ministry based in Emmaus, Pa. He coached at its basketball camps and worked in the office.

Guensch graduated from Radford University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise, Sport & Health Education. Guensch resides in Richmond with his wife Devon.