After a successful first season as head coach of Sacramento State women’s basketball team, Bunky Harkleroad is being recognized for his achievements.

Harkleroad was named as one of five finalists for the Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award for women’s basketball.

The other four finalists include Dan Burt of Duquesne University, Billie Godsey of Iona University, Megan Gibbia of American University and Mike Neighbors of the University of Washington.

The award has been given since 2007 when and named in memory of Dixon who was hired 11 days prior to the season and led Army to its first ever NCAA Tournament berth. She died in April due to valve complications from an enlarged heart.

Harkleroad, who guided the Hornets to an 18-12 record and a third straight Big Sky Conference Tournament appearance, said he was honored by the recognition, citing his first season as a Division I coach as a learning experience.

“I learned more this year than I ever thought I would,” Harkleroad said.

The former Division II coach was hired just one month before the start of the season, replacing former Hornets’ coach, Jamie Craighead, who departed for San Jose State University.

Despite the timing of the coaching change, Harkleroad said his players were able to adapt and play well as a unit.

“The players in situations like this get all the credit,” Harkleroad said. “We had to get to work so fast, but our players did a good job of buying into our system.”

Harkleroad added that while he is honored to be a finalist, his primary focus is improving the team for continued success next season.

“I haven’t given it a whole lot of thought other than we’re trying to get better for next year,” Harkleroad said. “It’s all about getting the best players we can possibly get and developing the players we have on board here.”

The Hornets were bounced in the opening round of the Big Sky Tournament by Southern Utah, but Harkleroad said he is excited about coaching the team for the long run.

“There were a lot of opportunities to learn this year and develop for next year,” Harkleroad said. “When you’re in a position where you’re in a job that you love, that is a pretty good feeling.”

Satchi Hover can be reached on Twitter @SatchiHover