COLUMBIA, S.C. - Ana Oliver, director of athletics at Columbia College, announced the hiring of Maria Audas to lead the women's basketball program.  Oliver said, "Maria brings a positive energy to our department and has the skills necessary to build a solid basketball program at Columbia College.  I am pleased to have her as a member of our staff."

Coach Audas was most recently a top assistant for nearby Ben Lippen High School, where she has been coaching since 2007.  She also has coaching and playing experience with Bob Jones University (02-06') and Bob Jones Academy (05').  Coach Audas has also been involved with many teams and camps over the years as a player and a coach, including summer camps at Little Rock Athletic Club.

Audas comes to Columbia College most recently from the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, where she worked in public relations for the past four years.  She managed all external media and public relations, as well as being the on-camera SCDCA spokesperson for newscasts and public service campaigns.

She received her bachelor of science from Bob Jones University in organizational communication and her Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina in mass communication.  Commenting about the opportunity to join Columbia College she said, "I am excited to work with this talented group of young ladies and elevate Columbia College's basketball program."