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OXFORD — Miami University has rewarded women's basketball coach Maria Fantanarosa with a three-year contract extension through the 2013-2014 season.

"I'm very flattered by it and very appreciative of everyone involved with our program from my great assistant coaches to our wonderful student-athletes," said Fantanarosa, who last year led the RedHawks to a 23-10 record, a Mid-American Conference championship and their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

The winningest coach in program history, Fantanarosa's career record is 161-133.

"Maria has led our program to two championships in the last five years as well as our first NCAA Tournament appearance," MU athletic director Brad Bates said. "As an alum, Maria represents Miami with a unique passion and love that inspires us all. We look forward to her continued leadership and are very excited about her commitment to this great university."

Fantanarosa said she sat down with Bates for her annual evaluation in April, but her recruiting trips and his travel schedule resulted in a little bit of delay in finalizing the deal.

"I trust Brad completely, and the delay in finalizing it was never a concern," Fantanarosa said. "He's the kind of administrator that wants to make sure his coaches feel appreciated. And not just with this extension, but with all the little things that add up, from texting me after games to being at the games and getting to know all the athletes and the assistant coaches.

"He's always been very proactive in making sure we all have a great experience here."

Fantanarosa said the extension also will help on the recruiting trail, enabling her to assure prospective players that she will be here for the duration of their careers.

"It's always a positive when your administration is committed to you as a head coach to who you are doing," she said. "With the length of this extension, this contract is longer than most people have in the country. That's definitely a very strong statement."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193 or jmorrison@coxohio.com.