Albany Welcomes Michelle Holmes to Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff
The University at Albany women’s basketball team is on an exciting trajectory with the recent addition of assistant coach Michelle Holmes. Head coach Colleen Mullen expressed her enthusiastic support for this new hire, emphasizing the valuable experience Holmes brings to the Great Danes.
A Fresh Start with a Winning Mindset
"We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the Great Dane family," said Coach Mullen. "Her background as both a standout player and coach at American University will significantly enhance our program. As a highly accomplished post player, her expertise will be instrumental in the development of our frontcourt."
Proven Success at American University
Holmes joins Albany after three impactful seasons with American University, where she played a pivotal role in developing the skills of post players. Her coaching journey has already seen successes including the emergence of All-Rookie Cecilia Kay and a second-team all-conference selection for Emily Johns. Holmes’ commitment to fostering talent is underscored by her results on the court.
A Culture of Care and Development
“I’m thrilled to join Coach Mullen’s staff,” Holmes remarked. "From day one, I felt welcomed. Their genuine care for the holistic development of players is evident. Coach Mullen has cultivated a strong culture at UAlbany that reflects success both on and off the court. I’m excited to contribute to that growth.”
In her previous role, Holmes was more than just a coach; she was also a key community figure. She coordinated team community service events and organized alumni gatherings, enhancing engagement among former players and supporters. Additionally, she served as a liaison for housing and academic services, ensuring athletes had access to the vital resources needed for their success.
A Multifaceted Background
Before her coaching journey, Holmes embarked on a diverse career path, including research from 2016-2018 and four years with the federal government. In this time, she honed skills that would serve her well in her return to coaching.
Stellar Collegiate Career
Holmes boasts an exemplary collegiate playing history. As a student-athlete, she helped lead American to its first Patriot League Championship in 2015. Her individual accolades include being named to both the Patriot League Third Team and the All-Tournament Team. With 220 rebounds in a season—a remarkable average of 6.7 per game—she ranks sixth all-time for that single season at American. Holmes also holds the record for single-season field-goal percentage at .643 and ranks third in career field-goal percentage at .535.
A Promising Future at UAlbany
Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Holmes graduated from American with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Public Health in 2016. With her passion for the game and commitment to player development, the future looks bright for both Holmes and the Great Danes.
For more details about this exciting new chapter, read the full announcement on the University at Albany’s official website.
Conclusion
As the Albany women’s basketball program embarks on this new journey with Michelle Holmes, fans and players alike can anticipate a season filled with growth, community engagement, and most importantly, a commitment to excellence on the court. Keep an eye on this promising new chapter for the Great Danes!
