Darren Guensch enters his first season as an assistant coach at UNCG in 2012-13.

Guensch came to UNCG after two years as an assistant coach at VCU and another two as the Rams’ director of basketball operations. The Rams were 86-47 with Guensch on staff, making four straight postseason appearances.

“Darren has a paid his dues in a variety of different roles in this profession,” UNCG coach Wendy Palmer said upon hiring Guensch. “His work ethic and determination have prepared him for this next step in his career, to be a part of building a program here at UNCG, in a state that he has ties to. He’s excited to hit the ground running.”

As an assistant coach the last two years, Guensch helped the Rams to a pair of postseason WNIT appearances. The Rams were 19-15 in 2011-12, advancing to the WNIT Round of 16. VCU went 19-12 and also made a WNIT appearance in Guensch’s first season as a coach.

Guensch was responsible for perimeter player development at VCU and coached two Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team guards and an All-CAA guard in Andrea Barbour. He also helped bring in No. 20 recruiting class among mid-majors, according to ESPN HoopGurlz.

With Guensch serving as its director of basketball operations from 2008-10, VCU went a combined 48-20. The Rams advanced to the WNIT Round of 16 in 2009-10 and earned an NCAA tournament at-large bid the year prior.

Prior to joining the VCU staff, Guensch served as George Mason’s director of basketball operations for two years. He got his start in coaching at Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, Va., serving as head coach of the freshman team and an assistant varsity coach for the 2005-06 season. He directed the freshman squad to a program-best 16-2 record and its first-ever district championship. He also helped direct Loudoun County’s varsity team to a program-best 29-2 record, district and regional championships and an appearance in the state semifinals.

Guensch graduated from Radford in 2005.

“UNCG is such a special place because of the people, campus and community, and it is a privilege to join the Spartan family,” Guensch said. “Success has followed coach Palmer everywhere she’s been and I am excited to contribute as we build into the lives of our student-athletes in the classroom and on the court.”

Guensch completed his master’s degree from George Mason University in 2012 and resides in Greensboro with his wife Devon and son Miles.