Kelly Dunne, an assistant coach at Brockport and a former standout player at Nazareth, has been named head women’s basketball coach at Nazareth College.
Dunne, a 2010 Nazareth College graduate, replaces Devin Gotham, who coached the Golden Flyers for eight seasons.
A native of East Northport, N.Y., Dunne coached for three seasons at Brockport, where her responsibilities included recruiting, scouting and practice planning. She was appointed interim head coach for the Golden Eagles following the 2014-15 season. She also has coaching experience at several camps and clinics.
“It has always been a dream of mine to be back coaching at my alma mater,” said Dunne. “I couldn’t be more excited and honored that I have been given this opportunity.”
As a player at Nazareth from 2006 through 2010, Dunne was a four-year starter as a point guard and a two-time team captain who earned Empire 8 Conference all-star recognition as a senior. She ranks among the program’s all-time career leaders in three-point field goals made (157), assists (297) and steals (153).
She also ranks first all-time in career free-throw percentage (200-for-250, .800) and set the single-season mark for free-throw accuracy in 2009-10 when she sank 74 of 82 shots (.902).
“We think that Kelly will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the women’s basketball program,” said Nazareth Athletic Director Pete Bothner. “She comes from a basketball family, so she’s been surrounded by basketball her whole life.”
Dunne’s father, John, was a long-time AAU coach on Long Island and her older brother, Greg, was an All-American player for the Golden Flyers before graduating in 1999. He is currently the head men’s basketball coach at Brockport and was national Division III Coach of the Year in 2014. Kelly has a degree from Nazareth in Business Administration.
“My entire family has had both an enjoyable and rewarding experience during our years at Nazareth and we look forward to many more,” Dunne said.
Dunne played scholastically at Northport High School, where she also excelled in soccer and lacrosse. She inherits a Nazareth team that finished 15-11 overall in 2014-15, including a mark of 10-6 in the Empire 8 Conference. The Golden Flyers finished fourth in the conference standings and lost to Ithaca in the first round of the E8 Tournament.
“I believe in the women’s basketball program at Nazareth,” Dunne said. “With my passion for recruiting and knowledge of the game paired with the beautiful campus and desirable majors, I believe Nazareth can be competing in the Empire 8 Conference tournament consistently.
http://www.nazathletics.com/news/2015/5/20/WBB_0520152319.aspx
Photo Courtesy Nazareth Athletics
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