The University of New Haven has agreed to a contract extension with Head Women’s Basketball Coach Debbie Buff, Director of Athletics Devin Crosby announced today. The extension keeps Buff with the program through the 2028-29 season. The extension underscores the university’s commitment to sustaining the successful trajectory of its women’s basketball program under Coach Buff’s leadership.
“New Haven is home for me, and we are just getting started. Our goal is to build a championship culture that our university and community are proud of,” Coach Buff said.
“Debbie’s genuine care for our student-athletes is clear, and her approach creates an environment where her players are set up to succeed. We’re grateful for her leadership of our women’s basketball program,” Crosby said.
Since joining the University of New Haven, Coach Buff has led the women’s basketball team to 95 wins, placing her just one victory away from tying the record for the most wins by a head coach in the program’s history. She also led the team through its most eventful season in program history, as it transitioned to Division I this past season.
This past season, Coach Buff oversaw the development of Second-Team All-NEC forward Aniya McDonald-Perry (Middletown, Conn./Putnam Science Academy). McDonald-Perry was also named to the All-Defensive Team after leading the conference in steals per game (2.7) and ranked tied for third in blocks per game (1.0).
As a team, New Haven allowed the fewest amount of points (1,774) in the conference, despite its first year as a Division I program. The Blue & Gold were also one of only three teams to allow under 62 points per game.
Coach Buff is set to embark on her eighth season with the Chargers in the 2026-27 season. Her leadership has not only advanced the program but also marked a significant milestone this past season with a victory over SUNY Purchase, which was the 300th win of her career as a head coach.
Buff is the 18th head coach in program history, and the extension reinforces the University of New Haven’s core value of care for the human good across its athletic programs.
Tagged with: NEC
