LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head women's basketball coach Jerry Finkbeiner is taking a medical leave of absence for a non-life-threating health condition, Vice President and Athletics Director John Hartwell announced Wednesday. In his absence, associate head coach Ben Finkbeiner will oversee the program.

"Jerry's health and the team's well-being are our top priorities," said Hartwell. "His staff will do great work during his time away and we hope Jerry has a speedy recovery."

Finkbeiner has a 96-124 record in his seven seasons at Utah State and an overall record of 570-366 (.609) in 30 years as a collegiate head coach. Last season, USU saw its largest turnaround in program history, going 17-16 overall, improving by 10 wins from the previous year. The Aggies also advanced to postseason play for the third time in Finkbeiner's tenure last season, as they advanced to the second round of the Women's Basketball Invitational. 

Finkbeiner has coached Aggie players to 12 all-conference honors and 45 have received academic all-conference accolades.

Utah State officially opens its 2019-20 season with a pair of games this week. The Aggies host Portland for an elementary school game on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m., and then host Seattle on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.

- USU -