Tufts University Director of Athletics Ryan Pisarri has announced the hiring of Clare Fitzpatrick as the next head coach of the Tufts University women’s basketball program. Fitzpatrick becomes the program’s 10th head coach dating back to 1972.
Fitzpatrick arrives at Tufts with a reputation as a dynamic leader, outstanding recruiter, and proven developer of student-athletes. She becomes just the 10th head coach in program history and will lead one of the nation’s premier Division III women’s basketball programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Clare Fitzpatrick to the Tufts Athletics family,” said Pisarri. “Throughout the search process, Clare distinguished herself through her vision for the future of our program, her commitment to student-athlete development, and her understanding of what makes Tufts such a special place. We are excited for her to lead our women’s basketball program and continue its tradition of excellence.”
Fitzpatrick comes to Tufts University after serving as an assistant coach at Division I University of Massachusetts since 2023. Over the last three years, Fitzpatrick helped orchestrate the largest turnaround in program history, taking a team from five wins in 2023-24 to over 20 victories last season in 2025-26.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to be named the next Head Coach of Tufts Women’s Basketball,” said Fitzpatrick. “My sincere thanks to President Sunil Kumar, Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri, and the entire search committee for their trust and confidence in me. Tufts University is one of the premier institutions in the country, and the opportunity to lead this program is truly special. I look forward to meeting our student-athletes, embracing the Jumbo community, and working together to pursue excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in life. I can’t wait to get to campus and get started.”
Throughout her coaching career, Fitzpatrick has demonstrated a commitment to competitive excellence while fostering environments that prioritize personal growth, academic achievement, and leadership development.
Prior to her time at UMass, Fitzpatrick was an assistant and recruiting coordinator at Division I Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts from 2019-2023. While at Holy Cross, the Crusaders were 2024 Patriot League Champions, and helped produce 2020 WNBA draft pick, Lauren Manis.
What attracted Fitzpatrick most to Tufts was the institution’s unique combination of academic and athletic excellence.
“From the beginning of the search process, Tufts stood out as a place where excellence is woven into every aspect of the student experience,” Fitzpatrick said. “The combination of world-class academics, a nationally respected athletic department, and the investment in the overall student-athlete experience made this opportunity incredibly attractive. I was especially drawn to the chance to work with student-athletes who are committed to challenging themselves both academically and athletically.”
Fitzpatrick also has had stops at Air Force Academy from 2015 through 2019, while starting her coaching career as an assistant in 2013 at Yale University of the Ivy League.
As she prepares for her first season in Medford, Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining the championship standards that have become synonymous with Tufts women’s basketball.
“My immediate focus is on building meaningful relationships, earning trust, and creating a culture where our student-athletes can thrive both individually and collectively,” Fitzpatrick said. “I have tremendous respect for the storied success of Tufts women’s basketball and the strong foundation that has been built over the years. I want Tufts women’s basketball to remain one of the premier programs in the country—known for competing for NESCAC championships and NCAA appearances. I am committed to honoring the program’s tradition of excellence while continuing to build a team and culture that makes our alumni, supporters, and the entire Jumbo community proud.”
Jumbo fans can expect teams that play with energy, toughness, and an unwavering competitive spirit.
“I want Tufts women’s basketball to be defined by the energy, toughness, and tenacity we bring every day,” Fitzpatrick said. “We are going to play fast, compete relentlessly, and embrace the challenge of being the hardest-working team on the floor. My teams will play with joy and confidence. Our players will be committed to defending, rebounding, and sharing the ball.”
What They’re Saying About Fitzpatrick
“A great day for Clare and Tufts. Clare played a huge role in our success at UMass. Recruiting, relationship building, helping players get better – Clare made an impact. I am excited for Clare to lead a program that is so aligned with her values as a coach. Tufts current and future student-athletes should be excited for what is to come.” – Mike Laflar, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, UMass
“Clare is a fantastic coach, recruiter, and person. Her impact at UMass has been invaluable to our department and women’s basketball program. Tufts is getting a great leader and educator, and I’m thrilled for Clare to have this next professional opportunity.” – Kirsten Britton, Deputy Athletic Director for Sports Administration/SWA/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
“Coach Fitz has genuinely been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. She knows the game inside and out, not just because of her experience as a former player, but because she gives so much passion and effort into her teams. What stands out even more is how much she genuinely cares about us as people. She checks in, supports us, pushes us, and believes in us in ways that go far beyond the court. The way she combines her heart with her deep knowledge of the game is the key to a successful women’s basketball program, and I feel truly lucky to have been coached by her.” – Stefanie Kulesza, Former UMass Women’s Basketball Player & Current Member of AB Contern of Luxembourg League (LBBL).
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