CSUMB women's hoops

 No one is going to argue about C.J. Pace's credentials -- as a former player and current coach.
 The Otters new women's basketball coach learned from one of the best in playing under Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina.
 Now after guiding East Georgia State to back-to-back GCAA junior college Final Four appearances, Pace is climbing the ladder for Division II CSUMB.
 No doubt, Pace will have her work cut out for her as the Otters haven't produced a winning season in five years, stumbling to a 6-21 mark last season.
 In addition, being hired in June means the recruiting trails may be bare in finding the personnel to fill out her roster and needs.
 Reputation alone, though, will help her in rebuilding the Otters. In addition to playing for one of the top programs in the nation, she also played professionally for two years in Portugal and Peru.
 Winning is a part of her DNA. Before becoming a head coach at East Georgia State, Pace spent two years as an assistant at Armstrong State, which made a Division II Sweet 16 appearance in 2014.
 Plus the cupboard at CSUMB isn't bare. Seven players are expected back, including one starter. With the right makeup, this program has proven it can win in the past.
 Eight years ago the Otters won a school record 27 games with the same budget.