The University at Albany women’s basketball program and head coach Colleen Mullen have announced the addition of Gina Castelli to the coaching staff.
“I am excited to be able to work with Coach Mullen who I have watched excel both as a player and coach,” said Castelli. “I am looking forward to working with her passionate staff and talented team. I am grateful to Colleen for creating this unique coaching position that allows me to use my experience, give back to the coaching profession, and help our Great Danes win.”
Castelli returns to the Capital Region following an eight-year stint at Le Moyne College. She led the Dolphins to six winning seasons, including a career program-best 26 victories during the 2018-19 season. That same season the Dolphins won the NE-10 title for the first time in program history, defeating Bentley in the conference championship game. Castelli next led her team to the first two NCAA Tournament victories in program history, advancing to the East Regional Championship.
“We are thrilled to announce that Gina will be joining our UAlbany family,” said Mullen. “She has been a mentor and friend to me for more than 20 years. Gina embodies all the qualities we value in our Great Dane program. She is a proven winner, a relentless competitor, and an enthusiastic leader. Gina built an extremely successful career in this community, and anyone that knows her admires her work ethic, character, and community engagement. I know her experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our young team and our coaching staff. I am so excited to welcome Coach G back to the Capital Region, this time in the Purple and Gold.”
Before arriving at Le Moyne, Castelli spent 22 seasons as the head coach of Siena, accumulating a program-high 336 victories. With the Saints, Castelli was named MAAC Coach of the Year five times and led Siena to seven MAAC regular-season championships and one MAAC Tournament title.
“Gina will be serving as our Executive Coach for Program Development and Player Relations,” said Mullen. “In this unique, strictly administrative position, Gina will be able to utilize her expertise in leadership, mentorship, and management in this new role. We know her perspective and insight will help our players win on and off the court, help our coaches and staff develop, and contribute tremendously to our championship culture.”
Castelli coached 39 All-Conference players at Siena, including seven Players of the Year and four Rookies of the Year. She also boasted a 100% graduation rate among her student-athletes.
Castelli also has stops at the University of Rhode Island and Marquette University in her career. She graduated Canisius College in 1986 with a degree in Physical Education and Athletic Training.
https://ualbanysports.com/news/2021/8/3/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-hires-gina-castelli.aspx
