Among the finalists are four-time winner Pat Summitt of Tennessee and two-time winner Geno Auriemma of Connecticut.

Louisiana Tech coach Leon Barmore, Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer and Georgia coach Andy Landers are the only other finalists who have previously won the award.

The winner, selected by Naismith's National Advisory Board members, NCAA Division I coaches, former Naismith winners, NCAA Division I conference commissioners and media representatives, will be presented with the award April 8 in Atlanta.

The other finalists are Joan Bonvicini of Arizona; Joe Ciampi of Auburn; Bill Fennelly of Iowa State; Mark French of UC Santa Barbara; Gail Goestenkors of Duke; Sue Gunter of Louisiana State; Muffet McGraw of Notre Dame; Rene Portland of Penn State; Marsha Sharp of Texas Tech; and Kay Yow of North Carolina State.