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JR Payne, who led Santa Clara University to its first winning record since 2008, has been named the eighth head women’s basketball coach in University of Colorado history, athletic director Rick George announced Monday.

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She has signed a five-year contract and the hire will become official pending approval of CU’s Board of Regents, as is the case with all high-profile campus positions.

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“There was a lot of interest in the position, which confirmed this is viewed as one of the top coaching jobs in women’s basketball,” George said. “After interviewing JR and hearing from several coaches that have worked with her, she rose to the top and we’re excited to name her as our head coach.”

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Payne, 38, replaces CU’s coach for the past six seasons, Linda Lappe, who stepped down from the post on March 7.

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"I am thrilled and honored to be the next women's basketball coach at the University of Colorado,” Payne said. “There is such a rich tradition within the women's basketball program that I cannot wait to immerse myself in. CU is unique in the landscape of college basketball in that it combines a world class education with world class athletics. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be here in �Ǹ�Թ� and cannot wait to get started."

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