A Key Architect Behind Four Straight Titles (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – The UNLV women’s basketball program, a dominant force in the Mountain West Conference, faced a significant change this week. Associate head coach Roman Owen, a cornerstone of head coach Lindy La Rocque’s staff since her arrival in 2020, departed for his first head coaching position at Quinnipiac University.[1][2] Owen’s exit caps six seasons of unprecedented success for the Lady Rebels, leaving La Rocque to rebuild amid transfer portal activity.
A Key Architect Behind Four Straight Titles
Owen joined La Rocque’s original staff at UNLV in 2020 and earned promotion to associate head coach in 2022.[3] During his tenure, the Lady Rebels transformed into a national contender. The team compiled a remarkable 149-41 overall record and 94-16 mark in conference play.[4]
Under Owen’s guidance alongside La Rocque, UNLV secured four consecutive Mountain West regular-season championships from 2021-22 through 2024-25. The program also claimed three conference tournament titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, the Rebels set a program record with 31 wins, went undefeated in league play, cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1994, and peaked at No. 21.[4] The following year brought another Top 25 stint, peaking at No. 20.
- Three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023, 2024)
- First postseason win in over 20 years via 2025 WBIT
- Offensive surge: Improved scoring by 15.2 points per game early in Owen’s time
- Preseason ninth-place projection in 2020-21 turned into second-place finish and most league wins
La Rocque praised Owen’s impact. “He has been an instrumental piece to everything we have done at UNLV and we do not reach our success without him,” she stated.[1] His schemes and recruiting prowess proved vital from the start.[3]
Owen’s Extensive Coaching Journey
Before UNLV, Owen built an 18-year resume across multiple levels. A native of Oklahoma City, he began as a men’s assistant at Oklahoma City University, aiding an NAIA Tournament berth. He then led Mid-America Christian University’s women’s team to an NCCAA Regional Championship and National Tournament in 2011.[4]
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His trail included video coordinator at Oklahoma during back-to-back NCAA runs, assistant at Yale where the team set a wins record and won the WBI, recruiting coordinator at Tulsa with top defensive marks, and assistant at North Texas boosting offense to program highs.[1] Owen played collegiately at Southwestern Christian, becoming the all-time leading scorer with 2,802 points and earning Hall of Fame induction.
| Key Career Stops | Role & Highlights |
|---|---|
| UNLV (2020-26) | Associate Head Coach; 149-41 record, 4 MW titles |
| North Texas (2019-20) | Assistant; Top offense since 2012-13 |
| Yale (2015-18) | Assistant; 19-win record, first Ivy WBI title |
| Mid-America Christian (2010-13) | Head Coach; NCCAA Regional Champs |
Quinnipiac Welcomes a Winner
Owen steps into a solid program at Quinnipiac, succeeding Tricia Fabbri after her 31-year tenure that included five NCAA bids and a 2017 Sweet 16.[1] Quinnipiac Director of Athletics Greg Amodio hailed the hire. “Roman Owen is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of developing student-athletes and building championship caliber programs,” Amodio said.[4]
Owen expressed enthusiasm. “A strong foundation is in place, and I look forward to building on it as we pursue conference championships and postseason success,” he noted. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running.”[4][1] The move aligns with his vision for high-level competition.
Challenges Ahead for La Rocque’s Staff
La Rocque extended warm wishes despite the loss. “While we are sad to see him go, he is more than ready to lead the Bobcats. Quinnipiac could not have made a better hire!”[1] UNLV now navigates roster turnover with four players in the portal alongside filling Owen’s role.
The Lady Rebels’ recent extension of La Rocque through the decade underscores commitment to sustained excellence. Owen’s departure tests that resolve but also highlights the staff’s appeal in the coaching market.
Key Takeaways
- Owen’s six years fueled UNLV’s 149-41 run and multiple titles.
- Quinnipiac gains a builder from a Top 25 program.
- La Rocque credits Owen as essential to every success.
Owen’s promotion marks the end of an era for UNLV but the dawn of one for Quinnipiac. Both programs stand poised for more triumphs. What do you think this means for the Lady Rebels’ future? Tell us in the comments.
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