Dunn replaces Jonathan Norton, who left Berry after the 2008-09 season to take a similar position at Columbus State.

"We are excited that such a well-respected coach will be joining our athletic program," Brooks said. "She comes to us with a history of success both as a player at the University of Georgia and as a high school head coach. She will be a valuable addition to our athletic program."

A head coach since 2002, Dunn captured numerous awards during her tenure at St. Pius X. She earned Georgia High School Coach of the Year accolades in each of her title-winning seasons and was named Region Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. She also claimed Metro Atlanta Coach of the Year honors in 2007.

"I am excited and anxious to get started at Berry," Dunn said. "I know that Berry has a great reputation and a tradition of success in basketball and other sports. I am looking forward to meeting with the players to start the process of getting comfortable with each other and working toward a great season."

Dunn began her career as a journalism teacher at Yeshiva Atlanta High School. She also taught at St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School, where she got her first job as an assistant coach. In addition to being head girls basketball coach at Saint Pius X, she also served as assistant athletic director and associate admissions director. Those roles provided valuable experience that will assist her as she transitions to the college ranks and begins recruiting student-athletes to Berry.

Dunn holds a bachelor's degree in consumer journalism from the University of Georgia, where she was a member of the 1995 team that advanced to the NCAA Final Four. Before earning a scholarship to UGA, Dunn enjoyed an outstanding career at Stephens County High School in Toccoa, finishing as the school's top scorer and competing in both the North/South Georgia All-Star Game and the Georgia/Tennessee All-Star Game.

"Playing at the University of Georgia and participating in the 1995 Final Four has helped me to have high expectations of myself and my players," she said. "Thanks to my experience at St. Pius X, I know what to expect from a private school environment. I am excited about the challenge of coaching a college team."

Dunn inherits a Berry team that finished 18-15 last season and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the second consecutive year. The Lady Vikings went 14-6 in Southern States Athletic Conference games, good enough for third place in the regular-season standings. In the postseason, Berry reached the SSAC championship game for the second consecutive year.

The new coach was drawn to Berry by its strong academic reputation and the size of the institution. She is excited about relocating to the Rome community, where her husband, Keith, played basketball for Shorter College.

"The people were just incredible when I visited on my interview," she stated. "Berry has everything I was looking for, from the athletics to the community to the academic environment."

Dunn and her husband have two daughters, Kara (5) and Layla (seven months).

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