May 3, 2000 5:08 PM AP

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) Cheryl Nix, the Cumberland coach and a former Clemson player, was hired as women's basketball coach at Winthrop.

She replaces Robin Muller, who was fired in March after a 9-19 season. The 34-year-old Nix spent five years at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn., where she compiled a 106-51 record. Cumberland was 27-7 last year and the NAIA school was ranked as high as No. 11.

"I really feel like this is an incredible opportunity that I have to be at Winthrop," said Nix, a 1988 Clemson graduate who grew up in South Carolina. "It will be like going back home for me and being supported and surrounded by family and friends."

Nix started for three years at Clemson. The Tigers went 21-9 during her senior season.

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