National champion Howard Payne announced Joshua Prock as its new head women's basketball coach. Prock, who comes from Denton Ryan High School, where he was an assistant boys' coach, is taking his first head coaching job and his first women's basketball job.

&&b-boxl&&He replaces 2008 D3hoops.com Coach of the Year Chris Kielsmeier who moved to Division II Wayne State after leading the Yellow Jackets to an undefeated season and the Division III national championship.

Prock spent seven years on Oklahoma's men's basketball staff, three as director of basketball operations, one as video coordinator and three as a student manager. He was also an assistant coach at Division II traditional power Kentucky Wesleyan.

““He brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong base of collegiate experiences to the position that will serve our program well,” said athletic director Mike Jones. “He is a quality coach but more importantly a solid Christian man with a heart for young people.”

Prock won't be the only new face at Howard Payne when the Yellow Jackets begin their title defense. They graduate three four seniors including Player of the Year Meia Daniels, All-Region center Stacey Blalock and All-Tournament selection Kimberly Hoffman.