University of Michigan women’s basketball head coach Kim Barnes Arico announced the addition of Alice De Fazio as the director of player personnel on Tuesday (July 17). De Fazio will be heavily involved on the administrative side of the women’s basketball program, working with student-athletes and director of operations, Amy Mulligan.
“I had the opportunity to play my college career for Alice De Fazio and then watch her go on to be an athletic director and administrator,” Barnes Arico said. “I have learned a lot from her as a player and as a coach. I have a tremendous amount of respect for her and what she has done throughout her career. I think she can come in here and really impact our program with her experience and ability to connect with people. She will have an opportunity to work closely with our student-athletes, especially when the coaching staff is out on the road recruiting. She will also assist (director of operations) Amy Mulligan in her duties as well. I feel like Alice can help us in so many areas because she has so much experience. She is going to make an immediate, positive impact on our program.”
“The opportunity to join Kim Barnes Arico and the Michigan women’s basketball program is tremendous,” De Fazio said. “I have observed Kim’s rise through the women’s basketball coaching ranks and knew a very long time ago she was destined to become a great coach and mentor. Her knowledge and passion are unmatched, and I’m flattered and humbled to align with one of the most prestigious universities in America. I anticipate a great collaboration and look forward to getting to work.”
De Fazio spent 11 years as the director of athletics at New Jersey City University (2007-18), a Division III university. Before taking over as director in 2007, she served as the associate director of athletics for five years (2002-07). De Fazio got to New Jersey City University in 1994, holding the position of head women’s basketball coach and assistant director of athletics until transitioning full-time to the administrative side in 2002. During her time as women’s basketball coach until being named director of athletics, De Fazio was also the senior woman administrator.
De Fazio coached Barnes Arico during her collegiate career at Montclair State, serving as head coach from 1990-92 while also teaching sixth grade at Sacred Heart School in Jersey City.
De Fazio also was an assistant coach at Seton Hall (1984-86), a high school coach at St. Dominic Academy (1988-90) and the summer camp coordinator for the New York Liberty (2006-09).
De Fazio played basketball at Montclair State while receiving her bachelor’s degree in English, helping the Red Hawks advance to the 1978 AIAW Final Four. She also holds a master’s degree in sport management from American Public University.
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