PENN STATE Women's basketball coach takes medical leave after fainting spell

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Rene Portland, in her 25th year as Penn State's women's basketball coach, is taking a leave of absence for medical reasons.
Athletic department officials would not disclose Portland's condition, but the announcement came eight days after she was admitted to a hospital after a fainting spell.
"This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make in my career as a head coach," Portland said in a statement released by the university Monday. "While I want to be with the team at this time, I also realize that I must make my health a priority."
Portland was admitted to Mount Nittany Medical Center on Nov. 14. She had fainted sometime after Penn State's season-opening loss at Texas.
Portland is one of the most accomplished coaches in the game. As a player, she won three national championships with Immaculata College. She has a career coaching record of 649-225, including 562-196 at Penn State. In her first 24 seasons, she led the Lady Lions to their first No. 1 ranking and their first Final Four appearance, and coached the first USA Basketball team to win a junior world championship.
Associate head coach Annie Troyan will coach the Lady Lions in Portland's absence.
Penn State started the season ranked No. 23, but lost its first three games on the road. The Lady Lions play their home opener tonight against Duquesne.