Miami University women’s basketball head coach Cleve Wright announced the addition of three people to his staff on Monday. Wright is retaining Colleen Day as an assistant coach, while he has hired Rachel Folcik as an assistant coach and Ashley Saia as the director of basketball operations.
Day returns for her eighth season on the sidelines for the RedHawks. In addition to scouting opponents, game preparation assistance and film breakdown, Day at various times has worked as the team’s offensive and defensive coach, recruiting coordinator, academic liaison and social media coordinator. She also designed and implemented the team’s conditioning program. Day is a former 1,000-point scorer for the RedHawks. She was named Second-Team CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America during her senior season in 2004. She went on to earn her master’s degree in sports studies in 2007 and is currently working on her doctorate.
"I believe I hired one of the best assistant coaches in the region by keeping Colleen on staff,” said Wright. “She is highly respected, and is a strong advocate for Miami University. I am excited that she wants to continue her career here and begin a new chapter of Miami Women’s Basketball.”
“I am grateful to continue my time here at Miami as part of the women’s basketball program,” said Day. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that has been established and I am excited to carry on our proud tradition as a program.”
Folcik comes to Miami after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach under Wright at Gannon. While with the Knights, she was the team’s recruiting coordinator and camp director. She was responsible for coaching the post players, handled scouting reports on opponents and performed extensive film breakdown.
"I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to further my coaching career at such a place as Miami University,” said Folcik. “This place is special—the ambiance of the campus is one to be emulated—but more important than this for me are the intangibles. The people, community, relationships, ‘Love and Honor’; these are the things I can’t wait to be a part of."
Prior to her time at Gannon, Folcik worked as a graduate assistant coach at her alma mater Ferris State. She was a four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs, graduating in 2008. She was a two-time WBCA Division II Honorable Mention All-American, and was named a CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America selection during her senior season in 2008.
Saia comes to Miami after spending the past season as an assistant coach under Wright at Gannon. While with the Knights, she helped coach the defense and worked with perimeter players. Saia helped with scouting, team travel and organized and facilitated all film exchange.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Miami University under Coach Wright,” said Saia. “His passion and dedication are contagious. I am excited to get started.”
Prior to her time at Gannon, Saia worked as an operations intern for the Cal women’s basketball team, assisting the director of operations in team travel, equipment management and budgeting. She was a three-year letterwinner at Bentley, serving as team captain her final three seasons. She led the Falcons to the NCAA Division II Elite 8 as a senior in 2011.
"I am so happy that Rachel and Ashley wanted this challenge,” said Wright. “Their character, loyalty and work ethic are exactly what are needed to help us build the unique culture of Miami Women’s Basketball."
Wright will announce the hiring of one final assistant coach and a video coordinator at a later date.
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