Memphis, TN -- (Sports Network) - The University of Memphis named Melissa McFerrin as its next head women's basketball coach on Saturday.

McFerrin, a Cassville, Missouri native and University of Missouri alum, earned 2008 Patriot League Coach of the Year honors in her fourth season at American University. Last season, American finished 18-14 and earned its first-ever Patriot League regular season championship. Her four-year record was 50-70 at the Washington, D.C. school.

"We are very proud to have Melissa McFerrin join the Tiger family as our new head women's basketball coach," said Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson. "She brings a wealth of experience from both the collegiate and professional ranks and has been involved as a player and coach at some of the most respected institutions in the country."

McFerrin also spent time as a University of Minnesota associate head coach (2002-2004) and was the WNBA's Washington Mystics general manager during the team's only playoff appearance in 2000. She was also an assistant coach for the Mystics (1999-2000) and New York Liberty (1997-1999).

McFerrin takes over a Memphis team that finished 10-20 last season. She replaces Blair Savage-Lansden, who resigned in March.