Janice Luck, a 1996 graduate of Albright College, announced her resignation as head coach of the Albright College women’s basketball program—a position she has held since the 2002–2003 season. Luck concludes her coaching tenure as the all-time winningest coach in program history with 308 career victories. She will remain at Albright College in her current role as Associate Vice President of Admissions.
Luck began her coaching career at Albright during the 1996–1997 season, shortly after graduating from the institution. As a student-athlete, she excelled in both field hockey and women’s basketball, serving as a four-year starter in basketball and a three-year starter in field hockey.
Reflecting on her time as head coach, Luck shared:
“Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate to create countless meaningful memories—from games and practices to road trips and, most importantly, the incredible student-athletes I’ve had the privilege to coach. The bonds we’ve built will last a lifetime. Thanks to the dedication of so many players and assistant coaches over the years, the program has achieved great success. With a strong foundation firmly in place, I have no doubt that Albright basketball will continue to thrive under its next head coach. I’ll remain a proud supporter, cheering on the continued growth and accomplishments of this team. Albright basketball has always held a special place in my heart, and it always will. I’m excited to continue serving my alma mater in a new role—and to witness this program soar to even greater heights.”
Luck’s coaching career began immediately after graduation when she served as junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant coach at Albright from 1996 to 1998. During the 1998–1999 season, she was a graduate assistant at West Chester University. She returned to Albright as an assistant coach and became head coach in 2002.
Over the course of 23 seasons, Luck became the longest-tenured and winningest coach in program history, surpassing the previous records by 13 seasons and 172 wins, respectively.
In the 2005–2006 season, the Lions achieved their first winning record under Luck. That year, she earned her first of four Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year awards. She also received the honor during the 2014–2015, 2015–2016, and 2017–2018 seasons.
On the national stage, Luck was named the Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2016. In 2016, she was also recognized as the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) District Four Coach of the Year and as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) South Coach of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.
The 2015–2016 season marked one of the most successful in program history, as the Lions won 27 games, claimed the MAC Commonwealth Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. The following season, the team recorded 23 wins and completed a perfect 16–0 regular season conference record, earning another NCAA Tournament victory.
Between 2014 and 2018, the Lions won 20 or more games in four consecutive seasons, made three NCAA Tournament appearances, and posted a combined conference record of 58–6.
Luck mentored numerous individual student-athletes throughout her tenure. She coached 36 All-Conference players, seven Conference Player of the Year honorees, seven D3Hoops.com All-Region selections, and three D3Hoops.com All-Americans. Her athletes received a total of 44 MAC Commonwealth Player of the Week awards and seven D3Hoops.com Team of the Week honors.
Of the 19 players in program history to score over 1,000 points, 13 were coached by Luck. Additionally, five of her players set eight career program records, nine single-season records, and five single-game records.
Beyond the court, Luck was a highly engaged leader in Division III athletics. She served as Albright’s Athletic Director from 2008 through Fall 2024. Nationally, she was a 23-year member of the WBCA, serving on three committees, in addition to her service on five MAC committees. Notable roles included her tenure as WBCA Commonwealth Conference Captain (2012–2015) and as a standing member of the MAC Scholar-Athlete Committee since 2006. She was involved with the NCAA as a two-time member of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional Selection Committee and most recently on the NCAA National Women’s Lacrosse Championship Committee.
A national search for Luck’s successor will begin immediately.
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