"In support of our mission and by-laws, we felt it was imperative that there be a voice that speaks on behalf of our non-NCAA Division I membership and to be represented on our Executive Committee," said Larry. "Coach Ruder has been an active member of our association for years and also serves as a NCAA Division III Representative on our Board of Directors; therefore, making her an ideal choice for this position."

As an appointee to the WBCA Executive Committee, Ruder will serve a two-year term, which expires upon her second term on the WBCA Board of Directors in August 2006. Her primary role will be to keep the WBCA Executive Committee abreast of current issues and activities surrounding non-NCAA Division I institutions.

Ruder begins her eighth season at UW-Oshkosh owning a sparkling resume, one that includes a 181-40 overall record, a 105-23-league record, four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances and four WIAC championships. Ruder's .819 overall winning percentage currently ranks her fifth among all active head women's basketball coaches in NCAA Division III.

"We are looking forward to having Coach Ruder serve on our Executive Committee," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. "I am very confident that she will do an excellent job providing further insight and will be a great representative for our members."

The WBCA Executive Committee consists of the Past-President, President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. However, since the Committee only had NCAA Division I members represented, President Larry took the option, as stated in the WBCA By-Laws, to designate one additional person to the Executive Committee.

Other members of the WBCA Executive Committee include: Vice President, Mickie DeMoss (Head Coach, University of Kentucky); Secretary, Bonnie Henrickson (Head Coach, University of Kansas); Treasurer, Dianne Nolan (Head Coach, Fairfield University); and Past President, Marsha Sharp (Head Coach, Texas Tech University).

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects as an amateur sport for women and girls. For more information about the WBCA, please visit WBCA.org.