STONY BROOK, N.Y. — A new era for Stony Brook women's basketball began on Friday.

Ashley Langford was introduced as the 10th head coach in the program's history at a press conference inside Island Federal Arena, one week after director of athletics Shawn Heilbron officially announced her selection.

Langford, most recently the associate head coach at James Madison, was joined by partner Nikki, sister Jessica, brother-in-law Mike, father Sterling and his partner Joy during the ceremony.

President Maurie McInnis joined members of the Stony Brook women's basketball team in welcoming Langford to the university.

"Ashley Langford has focus and energy to help us continue our successful journey," McInnis told those gathered as well as an ESPN3 audience during the event. "And also she will be just such a great fit for our team and our university. Coming from James Madison University, she has a proven ability to build on excellence. She recognizes and knows how to cultivate new talent with spirit, teamwork and pride. We couldn't be happier to have you on board. Welcome Ashley. And go Seawolves."

Heilbron said he proceeded with the coaching search after the departure of Caroline McCombs for George Washington with the student-athletes foremost in his mind. He pledged to them during Friday's ceremony that Langford possesses qualities such as caring as well as a commitment to winning that will serve them well.

"I am 100 percent confident we have found that person in Ashley Langford," Heilbron said.

Langford inherits a program that has won back-to-back America East postseason titles. The Seawolves are coming off the program's first-ever Division I NCAA Tournament appearance.

"This is a surreal moment for me right now," Langford said. "I've been waiting a long time, and I've worked really hard to get where I am. I'm just so blessed — so blessed — that I get to be here at one of the great universities in the country."