Xavier head women’s basketball coach Melanie Moore has named Candice Finley as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator. Finley joins the Musketeers after two seasons at UMass.
“Candice is one of the best recruiters in the country with several ties to the Midwest and East Coast,” said Moore. “She is a tireless worker who lights up a room with her sparkly personality. She is a proven winner and I am excited to team up with her and bring Xavier women’s basketball back to national prominence.”
In two seasons at UMass, Finley helped the Minutewomen post 30 wins after only winning nine games during the 2016-17 season. She also served as the recruiting coordinator during her time in Amherst, hauling in the 57th ranked class in the country last season (according to Blue Star Basketball).
Prior to UMass, she spent four seasons at Eastern Michigan (2012-16) – helping the Eagles post two 20-win seasons and advance to three postseason tournaments. The Eagles won eight games during her first season (2012-13) on the bench before recording 24 wins only two seasons later and playing in the WNIT Sweet 16.
Finley also has assistant coaching stops at Eastern Kentucky (2008-11), Southern Connecticut State (2007-08) and Romulus (Mich.) from 2003-05. She also served as head coach at Romulus from 2005-07.
Finley played professionally in Luxembourg for one season following a standout playing career at Eastern Kentucky (1997-01). She earned all-conference honors as a senior after leading the team in scoring (13.0) and rebounding (5.5). Finley also helped the Lady Colonels win the 1998 Ohio Valley Conference Championship.
The Detriot, Mich., native also won three state titles as a player at Bishop Borgess HS.
