UNLV Women's Basketball Loses Top Assistant Coach

Roman Owen departs to become head coach at Quinnipiac

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The departure of a key coach from the UNLV women's basketball program signals a shift in the team's leadership, as they navigate the challenges of the transfer portal.Los Angeles Today

Roman Owen, the associate head coach of the UNLV women's basketball team, is leaving the program to become the new head coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Owen was a key member of Lindy La Rocque's staff, helping the Lady Rebels win four regular-season titles and three conference tournament championships over the past six seasons.

Why it matters

Owen's departure is a significant loss for the UNLV women's basketball program, which has seen tremendous success under La Rocque's leadership. The team now faces the challenge of finding a replacement for Owen while also dealing with the transfer portal, as four Lady Rebels players have entered the portal.

The details

Roman Owen was promoted to associate head coach of the UNLV women's basketball team in 2022 after being on Lindy La Rocque's original staff when she was hired in 2020. During his six seasons with the Lady Rebels, Owen helped the team win four regular-season titles and three conference tournament championships. He is now leaving UNLV to become the new head coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, replacing Tricia Fabbri who announced her retirement earlier this month after 31 seasons.

  • Owen was promoted to associate head coach in 2022.
  • Owen has been on Lindy La Rocque's staff since she was hired in 2020.
  • Tricia Fabbri announced her retirement from Quinnipiac earlier this month after 31 seasons as head coach.

The players

Roman Owen

The former associate head coach of the UNLV women's basketball team, who is leaving to become the new head coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats.

Lindy La Rocque

The head coach of the UNLV women's basketball team, who hired Owen as part of her original staff in 2020.

Tricia Fabbri

The former head coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats women's basketball team, who announced her retirement earlier this month after 31 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“There is no one more excited for Roman and his family than me. He has been an instrumental piece to everything we have done at UNLV and we do not reach our success without him.”

— Lindy La Rocque, UNLV Women's Basketball Head Coach

“While we are sad to see him go, he is more than ready to lead the Bobcats. We wish him and his team the most success. Quinnipiac could not have made a better hire!”

— Lindy La Rocque, UNLV Women's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

UNLV will need to find a replacement for Roman Owen on Lindy La Rocque's coaching staff, while also addressing the transfer portal situation with four Lady Rebels players entering the portal.

The takeaway

The departure of Roman Owen, a key member of the UNLV women's basketball coaching staff, is a significant loss for the program. However, it also presents an opportunity for the Lady Rebels to bring in new talent and continue their recent success under Lindy La Rocque's leadership.