Sat May 03 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Azusa Pacific Appoints Ploog as New Women’s Basketball Head Coach

**AZUSA, Calif. (May 1, 2025)** — Azusa Pacific University (APU) announced today the appointment of Dan Ploog as the new head coach of its women’s basketball program. Ploog, a long-time assistant coach under former head coach T.J. Hardeman, takes the reins after 18 seasons with the Cougars.

Ploog’s appointment marks a significant transition for the program, but one built on years of shared success. During his tenure as assistant coach, APU achieved remarkable feats, including a 2011 NAIA national championship, a 2010 NAIA runner-up finish, and appearances in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2019 and 2021. The team also secured the No. 1 seed in the NCAA West Region Tournament in 2016 and 2018.

“Dan has been an integral part of our women’s basketball success for nearly two decades,” said APU Director of Athletics Gary Pine. “His commitment to our mission and his understanding of championship-level competition make him the ideal leader for our program’s future.”

Hardeman, who concludes an 18-year coaching career at APU with over 429 wins, expressed his confidence in Ploog’s ability to lead the team. “Dan has coached with me every year I’ve been here, and I look forward to seeing him lead the program into new territory,” he stated.

Before his coaching career, Ploog enjoyed a successful collegiate playing career at Biola University, where he was a three-year starter. He is also a graduate of La Habra High School, where he excelled in both basketball and water polo.

“Azusa Pacific has been my home for the past 18 years, and it is truly an honor to lead this program,” said Ploog. “I am grateful for the foundation that Coach Hardeman built and the opportunity to continue investing in our incredible student-athletes.”

Ploog and his wife Heidi, along with their four sons, reside in Fullerton.

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