Tracy Tripp helped lead Colorado to its first ever appearance in the women's NCAA basketball tournament in 1988 and the next year played before the largest crowd (11,199) ever to watch the Buffs in Boulder.

Those accomplishments are just the beginning of a long list of achievements for Tripp at CU.

Now she will be able to share her experiences with a new generation of CU women's basketball players.

Tripp was named the program's director of operations on Monday. She replaces Ann Strother, who left the Buffs earlier this summer to continue her professional playing career in Europe.

"As a former CU player, I'm impressed with the direction the program is headed," Tripp said in CU's press release. "I look forward to reaching out to our alumni and the Boulder community, and getting involved in the program."

Tripp comes to CU after spending the past 13 seasons just down the road at the University of Denver. She served as an assistant women's basketball coach with the Pioneers from 1995-2008, spending this past season as the associate head coach.

In her time at Denver, the Pioneers went from Division II to Division I in 1998 and made the NCAA Tournament in 2001.

Tripp was responsible for the development of both guard and post play, scouting and in-game strategy. She also served as summer camp director. Her other duties included recruiting, alumni relations and academic support.

Tripp helped develop center Misa Pavlickova, who was the 2001 Sun Belt player of the year and the 24th overall pick in the that year's WNBA draft. Pavlickova also played on the 2004 Czech Republic Olympic team.

Before making stops as an assistant coach at San Diego State and Western State College, Tripp coached the Fairview High School girls basketball team to three consecutive state tournament appearances in 1990-93.

"I'm ecstatic to return to Boulder and once again be part of the Colorado program," Tripp said.

The Fort Collins native made her mark on CU's history books.

She remains the eighth leading scorer in program history (1,574 points) and ranks third in minutes played (3,960). Tripp also played on the first Big Eight team to go undefeated in conference play.

Her 38 points against Oklahoma State in 1987 still stands tied for most in a game (Susan Horner also scored 38 in 1979 against Weber State). She averaged 12.5 points per game her junior year, the season in which CU went to its first NCAA Tournament.

"She brings great experience to our staff," CU coach Kathy McConnell-Miller said. "She will be a key asset for us in reaching out to our alumni, as well as the community."