Edmonds Signs Contract Extension

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POSTED: June 4, 2026 -- 11:15 a.m. CT

Following a historic 2025-26 season for Rice women's basketball, Rice Vice President & Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland announced that Shelley Pennington and Friends Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds has signed a contract extension to remain on South Main through the 2031 season.

"What Lindsay Edmonds has built here at Rice is truly special,” McClelland said. “In just five years, she has taken this program to heights we have never seen before, and she has done it the right way — by developing young women both on and off the court. We are incredibly fortunate to have her leading Rice Women's Basketball, and I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in the years ahead. Go Owls!"

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to President DesRoches, Tommy McClelland, and the entire administration for their unwavering support,” Edmonds said. “It is a tremendous honor to continue leading the Rice Women's Basketball program, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to coach at such a remarkable institution. I appreciate the commitment our university and administration have shown to our student-athletes, and the trust placed in me to continue guiding this program into the future. This past season showcased the dedication, commitment and growth of our team, and our staff is excited about the opportunities ahead. We look forward to building on our success and continuing to make the Rice community proud. Go Owls!”

Rice was crowned the 2026 American Conference regular season champions, the fifth regular season title in program history. The Owls won a program-record 29 games last season, including a program-record 22-game winning streak.

Five Owls were honored with a major award by the American Conference, with Victoria Flores earning the biggest honor as the American Conference Player of the Year. Shelby Hayes (Most Improved Player), Louann Battiston (sixth player) and Hailey Adams (Ambassador Award) rounded out the player accolades, while Edmonds was the unanimous coach of the year.

Edmonds also gained national attention this past season, being recognized as one of eight WBCA National Coach of the Year Finalists.

In five years with the Owls, Edmonds holds a 102-60 record, including being named the 2026 American regular season champions and the 2024 American Conference Tournament champions. Rice has earned three postseason berths, with a pair of postseason wins: 2023 WNIT Second Round, 2024 NCAA First Round, 2026 WBIT Second Round.

Edmonds' athletes have earned 17 all-conference team selections and six major conference awards. She is tied for the fastest coach to reach 100 wins in program history.

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