Hoops History

THANKS TO THE generosity of Doug and Gwen Edwards ’67, University of Portland has created the first endowed coaching position in West Coast Conference history. From here on out, UP’s Women’s Basketball head coaching position will be known as the Doug & Gwen Edwards Director of Women’s Basketball. 

“When I retired from the United States Air Force in 1991, returning to Portland and the University of Portland was the first thing on our minds,” Doug said. “We had a chance to come to campus and meet members of the women’s basketball team. We were incredibly impressed with their dedication and the outstanding way they represented the University.”

Before Gwen passed away in 2022, the couple were fixtures at UP sporting events, particularly at the women’s basketball games. Through their presence and support, they became friendly with former coaches Jim Sollars and Kelly Graves, as well as with countless student-athletes. The team was a way for them to remain connected to and invested in the place where their love had first bloomed.

“The program, and student-athletes, became part of our family,” he said. “This endowment gives back to a program that has done so much for us and allows UP to support the women’s basketball head coach in an appropriate way going forward.”