Courtesy of Kent State Athletic Communications
KENT, Ohio — Kent State Vice President and Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond announced that women's basketball head coach Todd Starkey will depart for another coaching opportunity and is naming associate head coach Fran Recchia as the program's seventh head coach.
"I want to thank Todd Starkey for his decade of dedication to our women's basketball program and the Kent community," said Vice President & Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. "Over the last ten seasons, Todd established himself as one of the most accomplished coaches in program history, compiling 179 victories, an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024, four WNIT appearances, two MAC East Division titles, and four 20-win seasons. He built something special here, and his impact on this program and the young women he coached will be felt for years to come.
"At the same time, I am thrilled to name Fran Recchia the seventh head coach in Kent State women's basketball history. Fran has been a cornerstone of this program since day one, arriving alongside Coach Starkey ten years ago and contributing to everything this program has accomplished. She knows our culture, our players, and what it takes to win at Kent State. I have full confidence that Fran will lead this program with the same passion and commitment our fans and student-athletes deserve."
Starkey and Recchia led the Flashes to five postseason appearances and 179 victories, the second most among Mid-American Conference schools in the state of Ohio, during their decade together in Kent. A MAC Tournament championship and return to the NCAA Tournament in 2024 highlight the program's success, which also includes two MAC East Division titles and four 20-win seasons.
"I would like to thank President Diacon, Randale Richmond, and the entire Kent State community for their significant support of our women's basketball program over the past decade," Starkey said. "My time here has been nothing short of transformative and simply incredible! The time comes for change, and my time is now. What a blessing it has been to be even a small part of the ongoing story of Kent State Athletics. I will fondly remain a Golden Flash for life!"
Kent State made four WNIT appearances with first-round victories in 2019 and 2023. Starkey challenged his teams with demanding non-conference schedules and led the Flashes to Power 4 wins against 19th-ranked UCLA, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Missouri.
Named 2017 MAC Coach of the Year, Starkey mentored 16 all-conference selections, including 2017 MAC Player of the Year and Varsity K Hall of Fame member Larissa Lurken. His 179 wins rank second in program history.
"I wouldn't have scripted it any differently than to have Fran Recchia be the next head coach for Kent State Women's Basketball," Starkey added. "She is an incredibly talented coach, an even better person, and she is ready! I look forward to watching what this program continues to become under her leadership. The Flashes win yet again with this hire!"
Recchia has been heavily involved in all critical parts of the program during her tenure and was in charge of recruiting efforts for most of that time. Six Flashes have earned MAC All-Freshman Team honors, and six student-athletes whom she helped sign have combined for 11 all-conference honors.
"I am honored to be named the next head women's basketball coach at Kent State University," Recchia said. "I want to sincerely thank Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond, President Todd Diacon, and the rest of our administration for entrusting me with the leadership of this program and for making this dream a reality."
In her first year at Kent State, Recchia helped transform Lurken's game and enjoyed a breakout senior campaign. In addition to breaking the previous NCAA Division I record for free throws made in a season, Lurken set Kent State program single-season records for total points (752) and points per game (23.5). She was the only Division I player in the nation who averaged 20 points, six rebounds, two assists, two three-pointers, one steal, and one blocked shot per game that season.
Recchia's connections with student-athletes have helped the Flashes post a 100-percent retention rate each of the past two seasons. Only three other Division I programs did not lose a player to the transfer portal in either season.
"This is an incredible opportunity to be able to build upon the culture we have established over the past 10 seasons at Kent State," Recchia added. "We will continue striving to compete for championships, develop and graduate phenomenal young women who grow into the best versions of themselves and maintain a great off-court culture built on connection, accountability and engagement with the Kent community. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and look forward to building something special together with our student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Go Flashes!"
Fran Recchia's official start day as head coach is slated for April 1, 2026.
