Brianna Finch has been named the 11th head coach of the UMass Lowell women’s basketball program, as announced by Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. A proven program builder with more than 20 years of collegiate and professional experience, Finch most recently served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at George Washington University.
“I am thrilled to announce Brianna Finch as the next head women’s basketball coach at UMass Lowell,” said Coutts. “She stood out throughout this whole process as a passionate leader who is deeply committed to building a strong, values-driven culture where student-athletes truly love the game of basketball. Brianna emphasizes accountability to oneself and to one’s teammates, while fostering a growth mindset and a pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. Her vision aligns perfectly with our department and will be instrumental in attracting and developing talent as we look to elevate our program here at UMass Lowell.”
At George Washington in 2025-26, Finch was part of a coaching staff that helped guide the program to a historic finish, tallying its first WNIT victory since 2017, most postseason wins in 29 years and most total wins in eight years. With Finch’s help, the Revolutionaries also secured their first win against a Power Four opponent in eight years. The team improved across seven statistical categories during Finch’s time on staff, including scoring, field goal percentage and assists. She also mentored Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team selection Gabby Reynolds.
“I am honored and excited to be named the next head women’s basketball coach at UMass Lowell,” Finch said. “I want to thank Athletic Director Lynn Coutts and Associate Athletic Director Zach Leach for the opportunity to join this amazing community. I believe Lowell is a special place with genuine and dedicated people, elite academics and competitive athletics to nurture a holistic student-athlete experience. I will work tirelessly to create a culture of excellence in everything we do. I cannot wait to get started. Go River Hawks!”
Prior to her time at George Washington, Finch spent four seasons with the Boston University women’s basketball program, serving as the associate head coach for the last two from 2023-25. During her tenure, the Terriers posted consecutive 20-win seasons and captured the program’s first Patriot League Regular-Season Championship in 2022-23. That same season, the team earned an automatic bid to the WNIT and set a Patriot League record with 17 conference wins.
Serving as offensive coordinator, Finch helped guide one of the most efficient offenses in the nation at BU, as the squad ranked among the NCAA Top 40 in multiple categories, including leading the nation in three-point shooting percentage during the 2022-23 campaign. As a dynamic recruiter, as well, she signed top-tier talent from across the United States and abroad, while mentoring multiple all-conference performers, including a Patriot League Player of the Year and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Finch also brings leadership experience to Lowell, serving as interim head coach following the 2019-20 season at Florida International University and as head coach at New Mexico Highlands from 2014-16. At New Mexico Highlands, she raised the program from ninth to third in the conference standings in multiple stat categories. She also boasts head coaching experience at the professional level, having led Lemvig Basketball Club in Denmark to a 19-10 record and a berth in the Dameligaen playoff semifinals.
Her collegiate coaching career also includes stops at Davidson, Barry, UC Irvine and UC San Diego. At Barry, she aided in one of the largest turnarounds in NCA Division II, as the Buccaneers improved from just five wins to 19 during her tenure.
A recognized leader in the profession, Finch has been selected for the 2026 WBCA Next Gen Institute and was named one of the “50 Most Impactful Assistant Coaches” by Silver Waves Media in 2024.
Finch graduated from Sonoma State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She earned her master’s in human performance and sport in 2018 from New Mexico Highlands.
