Bonvicini hired at Seattle University

Joan Bonvicini, fired from Arizona last year, was hired Tuesday as the women’s basketball coach at Seattle University.

I am thrilled to join the team at Seattle University and to return to the sidelines as a head coach, Bonvicini said in an announcement on the school’s Web site. I am here to build champions.

Bonvicini has a 612-294 career record at Arizona and Long Beach State.

She was relieved of her duties at Arizona in March 2008 after a 10-20 season and with one year remaining on her contract. Her 287-223 overall record in 17 seasons with the Wildcats made her the winningest coach in UA women’s history.

Bonvicini takes on a program that is just starting out in NCAA Division 1.

This year, Seattle University’s basketball program is making history, and we are thrilled to have someone of Joan’s stature and experience join our team, said Bill Hogan, Seattle’s athletics director. She is uniquely qualified to take our program to new and exciting heights.

Terms of her contract were not given.