LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) — Jim Bolla, UNLV's all-time winningest women's basketball coach, passed away Friday night after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

"We're deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Bolla," UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper said. "His legacy at UNLV is unmatched and his lasting contributions as a mentor to so many young people, especially here in Las Vegas, were immeasurable."

Bolla joined UNLV in 1981 as an assistant coach, then was the program's head coach from 1982 to 1996. In those 14 years, Bolla earned a 300–120 (.714) record, including seven NCAA Tournament appearances and had 11 seasons with 20 or more wins. His 300 wins with the team were the most by a UNLV women's basketball coach. Bolla's 1990 season was the best in school history as the Lady Rebels reached No. 2 in the AP Poll while achieving a 28-3 record. He was a three-time Big West Conference Coach of the Year and coached six All-Americans, three Big West Player of the Year winners, and 24 all-conference selections. UNLV won seven Big West titles under his leadership.

From 1996 to 2001, Bolla was director of athletic development at UNLV. In that position, he was in charge of fundraising for the athletic department. Bolla secured a $3.1 million gift for the softball and golf programs among the nearly $5 million he helped raise.

In 2015, Bolla began co-hosting a daily sports talk show on KDWN radio in Las Vegas, "Coaches' Corner."

Born in Pittsburgh, Bolla graduated from Bishop Canevin High School in 1970. He played basketball at Pitt, starting at center from 1973 to 1975, before beginning his coaching career as a volunteer assistant with the Panthers. For the 1979–80 season, Bolla moved to Pittsburgh's women's basketball program to be an assistant coach.

Bolla is survived by his wife, Dallas Boychuk, and daughter, Sasha.