Top US coach Lisa Stockton has been appointed executive director of the Cayman Islands Classic women’s basketball tournament, the event’s organisers announced on the heels of the second annual showcase wrapping up.

During her 30-year tenure at Tulane University, she became the all-time winningest basketball head coach in Conference USA. Stockton, who is a two-time hall-of-fame inductee – for Conference USA and Tulane – said she is thrilled at the opportunity to take the tournament to the next level.

The event attracts the top collegiate women’s basketball programmes.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to promote and elevate women’s basketball,” Stockton said, in a press release issued by Cayman Classic organiser Caymax Sports.

“This tournament is more than just a series of games – it’s a platform to showcase the incredible talent while providing teams and fans with lasting memories. I’m excited to help grow this event into the premier tournament in the Caribbean.”

She announced her retirement as Tulane head coach in March. Over her coaching career she recorded 591 career Division I wins, which ranks her 14th among all active coaches, with her 654 overall wins putting her at 27th on the NCAA all-time wins list.

She has also mentored five WNBA draft picks and six All-Americans.

Jill Turk, chief strategy officer for Caymax Sports, spoke of her confidence in having Stockton in the top role.

“Choosing a Tournament Director who is a proven leader in women’s basketball was a priority for us,” Turk said. “Coach Stockton’s exceptional career and dedication to the game make her an ideal fit for this role. We’re honored to work with someone who truly represents the best of women’s college basketball.”

Joe Wright, owner and CEO of Caymax Sports, echoed Turk’s sentiments, expressing his excitement for what Stockton brings to the table for basketball fans.

“This tournament is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Women’s NCAA basketball in the Cayman Islands, and Coach Stockton is a great addition to our team,” Wright said. “We look forward to her bringing the top women’s teams to the Cayman Islands every year.”