The University of Arizona has announced the hiring of former NIU women’s basketball standout and student coach Denise Dove as a part-time coach with the Wildcats’ women’s basketball program.

Dove fills a vacancy left by Shelley Patterson, who is now coaching with former Arizona assistant Karen Freeman at Wake Forest University.

Originally from New Hope, Minn., Dove graduated from NIU last spring after serving as a student assistant for the Huskies.

In addition to starting three straight years at point guard for Jane Albright-Dieterle’s team, Dove is the Huskies’ all-time career assist leader (526), single-season assist leader (169) and ranks ninth on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,043 points.

She was named NIU Woman of the Year as a senior in 1991.

Dove, 23, graduated with a degree in corporate communications. She will assist with recruiting, scouting and game preparation.

“We are pleased to have Denise join our staff this fall,” Arizona head coach Joan Bonvicini said. “We are anxious to get started on the upcoming season, and Denise is a welcome

addition to our program.”

Dove will be reunited with Albright-Dieterle and the Huskies on Dec. 22, when the two teams clash in Tucson, Ariz.