Norton Names Assistant Coach for Lady Cougar Basketball

Columbus, GA - Columbus State University head women's basketball coach Jonathan Norton has filled the void on his staff left by the departure of Denisha Davidson last month. Norton has announced the hiring of Fala Suiaunoa for the position. Suiaunoa had been the assistant coach at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX, since 2007.
"Fala comes highly recommended from every coach she has played or coached for," said Norton.  "Some of these coaches are people I consider friends and I have the utmost respect for their recommendations." 
"Fala is a tireless recruiter with tremendous enthuisiasm for the game of basketball. Her knowledge of the game, her recruiting work ethic and her experience in Division II coaching separated her from the rest of the candidates. There is no doubt she will make a positive impact on our basketball program, as well as our entire department."

Prior to her time at Midwestern State, Suiaunoa spent one season as assistant coach at Northeastern A&M College in Miami, OK. She earned her undergraduate degree at Northeastern State (Oklahoma) University in 2004 and followed with a masters degree at NSU in 2006. 

Suiaunoa, a self-professed "military brat," is originally from California and graduated from University High School in Irvine. Her basketball prowess led to a two-year career at Irvine Valley College where she was named Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman and Team Captain as a sophomore. She earned All Orange Empire Conference honors in 2001 as a sophomore. She moved on to Northeastern State in 2001 and played her final two seasons for Randy Gipson. Sher earned All Lone Star Conference honors as a senior in 2003, as well as being named Team Captain. She was a part of the school's first ever LSC championship in 2003 and also its first NCAA post-season berth.

Suiaunoa's duties begin immediately at CSU. In addition to her coaching duties, she will also serve as Senior Woman Administrator for the CSU Athletic Department and will coordinate the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.