The University of Colorado has extended the contract of women’s basketball head coach JR Payne through the 2031 season. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo after a unanimous vote by the CU Board of Regents.
Payne, now in her tenth season leading the Buffaloes, is second in program history for both tenure and total wins, trailing only former coach Ceal Barry. Under Payne’s leadership, Colorado has achieved at least 20 wins each season since 2021-22 and reached postseason play for five consecutive years. The team is preparing to compete in the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament in Kansas City.
“Coach Payne has been the model of consistently sustained excellence here at Colorado, and I’m thrilled that she will be leading our program for years to come,” said Lovo. “Coach Payne’s teams embody her personality of grit, resilience, toughness, and integrity, but this extension is also emblematic of her role as a tremendous leader and mentor for our student-athletes.”
Payne expressed gratitude for the new contract: “I am deeply honored and humbled to sign a new contract to remain the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Colorado,” said Payne. “I am incredibly grateful to Chancellor Schwartz, the Board of Regents, as well as Fernando Lovo and Rick George for their trust, belief, and continued support of our program. CU is a truly special place, and I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish together—both on the court and in the classroom. Our student-athletes continue to represent this university with excellence, character, and pride. I’m excited for what lies ahead and look forward to continuing to build something meaningful for our program, our university, and the Boulder community.”
In recent seasons under Payne’s guidance, Colorado advanced to consecutive NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearances during 2022-23 and 2023-24 as part of three straight tournament berths. Several notable players have developed under her leadership; Jaylyn Sherrod became the first Buffaloes player to win a WNBA title in 2024 with New York Liberty.
Academically, Payne’s teams have posted strong results with thirteen straight semesters achieving a GPA above 3.0; in 2024 they set a program record with an average GPA of 3.427.
Chancellor Justin Schwartz commented on Payne’s impact: “Coach Payne has built a program that is focused on success not only on the court but in the classroom and community — developing student-athletes who excel in their sport and in life beyond athletics,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Her commitment to shaping outstanding individuals is remarkable, and I am so pleased she will continue to lead our Buffs in the years ahead.”
Colorado opens its campaign at the Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 5 against either Kansas or UCF.
