MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings has turned to VCU for the first member of her coaching staff.

Stollings said Friday she has hired Nikita “Niki” Dawkins as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

Dawkins held the same position under Stollings for two seasons at VCU. Before joining Stollings’ staff at VCU, Dawkins spent seven seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Old Dominion, and was an assistant at Michigan and her alma mater, Ohio State.

As a player, Dawkins led the Buckeyes to three Big Ten championships and four NCAA tournament appearances from 1985-89.

The Gophers hired Stollings this month after firing Pam Borton.