OMAHA, Neb. – University of Nebraska Omaha Director of Athletics Trev Alberts has announced the removal of the “interim” label from Brittany Lange's title, officially naming her the head coach of the UNO women's basketball program.

Lange, who celebrates her 27th birthday today on New Year's Eve, becomes the eighth full-time head coach and the youngest to lead the program in its 43-year history. She assumed the interim head coach role in early October just one month before the Mavs' exhibition game and has led the Mavericks to an 8-5 start with a team comprising seven newcomers among the nine healthy players available to play.

“Coach Lange and her staff have done an incredible job in all areas on and off the court, and they have earned trust and respect from their players,” Alberts said. “The decision to remove the 'interim' from Coach Lange's title was not just about wins and losses. She and her staff have shown a tremendous amount of character and integrity, and their passion and work ethic is evident in how the team plays.”

Lange has signed a four-year contract retroactive to the beginning of this season. The Mavericks become eligible to compete in the Summit League Tournament and NCAA Tournament in 2015-16.

“The entire coaching staff has been working tirelessly and having success on the recruiting trail, and there is a bright future ahead,” Alberts said. “We're pleased to give Coach Lange and her staff the commitment that they've earned as we move along in our Division I transition.”

After dropping two road games to open the season, the young Maverick squad has shown vast improvement with an 8-3 record over the past 11 games, including a current five-game winning streak. The Mavericks, who are a perfect 6-0 at home to start the season, close out non-conference play on Sunday against Milwaukee at the Sapp Fieldhouse at 2 p.m.

“I am very grateful that Trev and the administration believe in what we are doing enough to give me this opportunity,” Lange said. “I'm extremely excited to be a part of UNO and to build this program the right way. We will continue to put forth maximum effort to improve our program, as we have been doing since day one.”