Today’s the home opener for the University of Louisville women’s basketball team, and one key person will be missing from the sidelines:

Stephanie Norman made that announcement in April, but she isn’t leaving the sport. She’s returning home to Arizona State:

Sun Devil Women’s Basketball alumna and a member of the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Stephanie Norman returned to her alma mater as associate head coach and director of basketball strategy in April 2025.

Norman returned to Tempe following a storied, 18-season stint at Louisville – as assistant coach (2007-12) and associate head coach (2012-25) – where she helped Cardinals head coach Jeff Walz establish the program as a perennial national powerhouse.

During her 18 seasons on the bench, Louisville earned 16 NCAA Tournament invites and advanced to the Sweet 16 or better 12 times, including eight Elite Eights and four Final Fours. On two occasions, Louisville came one win short of a national title with NCAA runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2013.    

“Stephanie is a coaching legend, and we are so fortunate to add her to our staff,” Sun Devil Head Coach Molly Miller said.

“With over 25 players coached who have gone on to be drafted, and a proven track record of success, including participating in multiple Final Fours, her experience speaks for itself. She is one of the most accomplished coaches in the game, and her ability to identify, recruit, and develop elite talent is unparalleled. Stephanie’s deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level, combined with her extensive network and years of experience, will bring a wealth of knowledge to our team.”  

Norman will be returning to familiar surroundings as she was a four-year letterwinner (1984-88) and a two-time Pac-10 All-Academic selection at ASU. She played 74 games in the maroon and gold and served as the team’s captain her junior and senior seasons.  

It will be interesting to see how Louisville performs this season when a mainstay of the program is no longer there.

But just like last season, I’ll be seated close to the floor behind the basket for home games cheering the Cards on.