Salem State Athletics & Recreation has announced the hiring of Al Berger as the University’s new head women’s basketball coach. Berger replaces Michelle Cunningham, who held the position for six seasons.
“We are so excited to have Al join the Salem State athletics family,” stated Director of Athletics & Recreation Peggy Carl. “His passion for women’s basketball, love of the game, and experience in Division III will all be assets to our program. He is a relentless recruiter who will no doubt bring a renewed focus to that element of the program as well. Salem State University women’s basketball has enjoyed a successful history and we are very excited about this next chapter.”
Berger comes to Salem State after having spent last season as the associate head women’s basketball coach at Wheelock College. Prior to coaching the Wildcats, he served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Wellesley College for four-plus seasons. While with the Blue, Berger held the position of recruiting coordinator, helping Wellesley attain its highest winning percentage over the past decade, while augmenting the Blue’s lineup, which included the 2017 NEWMAC Rookie of the Year and 2014 NEWMAC Player of the Year.
Berger began his coaching career in 2008 as the assistant varsity girls’ and head JV coach for Hopkinton High School, leading the Hillers JV program to a 42-12 record while helping the varsity team earn three state tournament appearances in three seasons. Berger also spent a year as assistant women’s basketball coach at Lasell College (Newton, MA) before moving on to Wellesley.
“I would like to thank Athletic Director Peggy Carl and the entire search committee for the opportunity to lead the Salem State University women’s basketball team. I am honored and grateful for the chance to lead such a talented group of student-athletes. I could not be more excited to get started with this group, with the ultimate goal of bringing the MASCAC Championship back to Salem.”
Berger, who is the Day Program Coordinator at the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center, currently resides in Whitinsville, Mass. with his wife Cassie, son Donovan (3), and daughter Josie (1). He earned his Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY in 2012 and bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Framingham State University in 2005.
Tagged with: DIII MASCAC Salem State
