Tom Collen

Tom Collen is an American college basketball coach with a lengthy career primarily in NCAA Division I women's basketball. He is best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Louisville Cardinals programs. His coaching career has also included significant roles at Colorado State and as an assistant for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Early life and education

Collen grew up in Wisconsin and played collegiate basketball at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where he was a teammate of future NBA coach Bo Ryan. He earned his bachelor's degree from that institution before pursuing a master's degree at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. His early coaching experiences included serving as a graduate assistant at UW-Parkside and as an assistant coach for the men's team at his alma mater, University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

Coaching career

Collen began his women's basketball coaching career as an assistant at Purdue University under head coach Lin Dunn. He was part of the staff that helped guide the Boilermakers to the 1994 Women's Final Four. His first head coaching position was at Colorado State University, where he led the Rams from 1997 to 2000, compiling a strong record and making multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In 2000, he was hired by the University of Louisville to rebuild its women's basketball program, achieving notable success including a 2001 NCAA Tournament berth.

In 2007, Collen was named the head coach at the University of Arkansas, taking over the Razorbacks program. His tenure in Fayetteville saw the team return to the NCAA Tournament and consistently compete in the powerful Southeastern Conference. Following his time with the Razorbacks, he served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA and later returned to the collegiate ranks in an advisory role. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his recruiting acumen and player development.

Head coaching record

Collen's overall head coaching record in NCAA Division I women's basketball reflects a winning percentage well above .500 across his stints at Colorado State, the Louisville Cardinals, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. His teams have participated in the NCAA Tournament on several occasions and have also competed in the WNIT. Season-by-season records are documented in standard collegiate basketball publications and databases.

Personal life

Collen is married and has children. He has been involved in various charitable and community outreach initiatives throughout his coaching career, particularly in the communities surrounding Fayetteville and Louisville. Following his tenure at Arkansas, he has remained active in basketball through consulting, broadcasting, and mentoring roles.

Category:American women's basketball coaches Category:Louisville Cardinals women's basketball coaches Category:Arkansas Razorbacks women's basketball coaches Category:Colorado State Rams women's basketball coaches Category:Purdue Boilermakers women's basketball coaches Category:University of Wisconsin–Platteville alumni