Ellis promoted to assistant coach; Curtis ’17 named director of basketball operations
Colgate head coach Bill Cleary announced two changes Tuesday to his women’s basketball coaching staff.
Cleary promoted Lauren Ellis to assistant coach and named Katie Curtis ’17 as the team’s new director of basketball operations.
“I am so proud that we are able to promote Coach Ellis, and I am equally excited about the addition of Katie Curtis,” Cleary said. “Lauren’s work this past season was tremendous, and her leadership going forward will be vital to the success of our program.
“Coach Ellis is a winner. She has won everywhere she has been and we look forward to her bringing that championship level mentality every day.”
Cleary noted the buy-in and work ethic of the senior captain Curtis were very impressive during his debut campaign with the Raiders.
“Katie’s contributions and leadership in helping lay the foundation were huge,” Cleary said. “Now she can stay and continue to help the process. We are very happy for Katie.”
Championship Roots
Ellis spent the 2016-17 season in the operations position for Colgate, managing travel, camps and film exchange. The Bangor, Pennsylvania, native played her collegiate basketball under Cleary at Bloomsburg from 2009-13, helping the Huskies win the 2013 PSAC championship.
After graduation, she spent one season at Widener and two at Salisbury as an assistant coach.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this new title I am taking on,” Ellis said. “This past year at Colgate was incredible and I’m very fortunate for the staff and players I work with every day. I want to thank Coach Cleary and the athletic administration for believing in me and offering me this position.
“Great things are in the works for Colgate Women’s Basketball.”
Senior Leader
Curtis just completed an outstanding career with the Raiders, earning placement on the All-Patriot League Second Team. The Lebanon, Indiana, product ranked among the conference statistical leaders in six categories, including scoring at 12.8 and 3-point shooting at 41.6 percent. Both of those figures led the team.
Her 47 made 3-pointers are the 10th-most in program history for one season.
“I am so honored to have the opportunity to be the director of operations under Coach Cleary, especially here at Colgate,” Curtis said. “Having played for and learned from Coach Cleary and the staff in such a short amount of time, I am confident I will fit right into the culture and vision for the program moving forward.
“I am beyond excited to take part in the development of this program and look forward to our future success.”