Connecticut College has promoted Wade McNamara to head coach of the women’s basketball program, as announced by Director of Athletics Mo White on Thursday.
McNamara served as assistant coach for the Camels in 2025-26. He assumed head coaching duties late in the season and led Conn to several key victories and its first NESCAC Championship berth since 2022.
Conn finished the year with an overall record of 14-11, the most wins for the program since the 2017-18 season. The Camels also finished tied for fourth place in the NESCAC standings with a 5-5 mark and recorded the most league wins in a decade.
“After a comprehensive national search, we found our answer right here in Camel Nation,” said White. “We are proud to announce the promotion of Wade McNamara to head coach of our women’s basketball program. Wade has helped lead this team to historic success this past year and brings the vision, passion, and relentless drive needed to elevate our program. We are confident in his ability to build on this momentum and position Connecticut College as a rising force within the Division III women’s basketball community and across New England.”
McNamara is a former Division III student-athlete who has coaching experience across collegiate, AAU, and private training settings. Last season at Conn he assisted in skill development, recruiting, scouting and all other day-to-day aspects of the program. As acting head coach he led the Camels to one of their biggest victories in years, an upset of 10th-ranked Bates College on the final day of the regular season.
“I want to thank the entire Connecticut College women’s basketball search committee for their unwavering commitment to excellence,” said McNamara. “I am thrilled for the challenge ahead and the opportunity to coach an outstanding group of student-athletes. We have an incredible opportunity to build on a foundation of success, and our staff is excited to hit the recruiting trail.”
Prior to joining the Camels, McNamara served as Director of Player Development and Recruiting for the Connecticut NorthStars, where he led skill development programming across all age groups and teams. He also served as an assistant coach for the United States Coast Guard Academy men’s basketball program for the 2022-23 season, as well as head coach of the Connecticut Storm 7th/8th grade girls team.
A native of East Lyme, CT, McNamara was a four-year member of the men’s basketball team at Union College in Schenectady, NY. In his final season he earned all-league honors, averaging a double-double of 15.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while leading the Liberty League in rebounding. He also led the Dutchmen to a conference title and the second round of the 2017 NCAA Championship.
McNamara graduated from Union with a degree in political science. He currently resides in New London, CT with his wife Madi.
Tagged with: D3 NESCAC
