Arizona head women’s basketball coach Becky Burke has officially named NCAA champion, WNBA veteran and accomplished entrepreneur Michelle Marciniak as the program’s General Manager, ushering in a new era for the Wildcats.
“I’m truly honored to step into the GM role at Arizona,” Marciniak said. “This opportunity brings together everything I care deeply about — the business of basketball, leadership, and building something meaningful alongside others. I’ve been shaped by a championship mindset, and I’m committed to contributing in a way that honors the incredible foundation already in place. With deep respect for Desireé, Becky, our staff and the entire Arizona community, my goal is to help elevate the Arizona women’s basketball brand and build a sustainable national championship program. I’m excited to work together on a thoughtful, strategic path forward.”
“Becky is a fierce competitor with a passion for the game that deeply resonates with me. She wants to win — and she’s a proven winner. She has both the basketball IQ and the emotional intelligence to be a truly successful coach. I believe in Becky — she’s the reason I said yes to coming to Arizona. What sets her apart is her conviction, her humility and the way she leads with purpose and an all-in mentality that inspires everyone around her.”
As General Manager, Marciniak will serve as the strategic architect of Arizona’s long-term vision. Her core responsibilities include program operations, staffing, roster management, global recruiting and NIL development. She will also act as a trusted advisor to Burke, aligning on program culture, leadership and national brand strategy.
Marciniak played collegiately at Tennessee under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, where she helped lead the Lady Vols to two SEC championships, back-to-back Final Fours and the 1996 NCAA national championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. She went on to play professionally for six seasons in the ABL and WNBA before transitioning into coaching. As an assistant at South Carolina, she served as recruiting coordinator and signed a nationally ranked top-10 class that included Burke.
Marciniak is also the co-founder of SHEEX, the world’s first performance bedding company, which she led for 17 years as co-CEO. Under her leadership, SHEEX raised more than $25 million in capital, secured 53 patents across 24 countries and became a globally recognized brand featured by The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and O, The Oprah Magazine.
A Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, Marciniak was the first female student-athlete from the University of Tennessee to receive the prestigious NCAA Silver Anniversary Award for professional achievement and community impact. She currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Board of Governors for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and is the co-founder of Pedal for Alzheimer’s, a charitable platform honoring Pat Summitt’s legacy.
Becky Burke, Arizona Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“We have hit an absolute home run with the addition of Michelle Marciniak to Arizona women’s basketball,” Burke said. “She was one of the best players in the history of our game and is also one of the most successful businesswomen in the country. To have someone of Michelle’s caliber around our young women every day is one of the biggest blessings we could provide. Her experience, connections and knowledge are second to none, but her competitive spirit and passion for the game are what make her, her. Michelle’s mentorship of our players will be invaluable.”
Joan Bonvicini, Former Arizona Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“Adding Michelle Marciniak to the Arizona women’s basketball staff is a fantastic move,” said former Arizona head coach Joan Bonvicini. “She’s a proven winner as a player and also had a great career in the WNBA. Her addition as a successful entrepreneur will provide valuable resources to the program. She will be extremely successful.”
Carolyn Peck, ESPN Analyst and Former NCAA Championship Coach
“Arizona hit a home run by selecting Michelle as the General Manager,” said ESPN analyst and former NCAA champion coach Carolyn Peck. “She has a winning pedigree not only as an athlete but also as a businesswoman. She is a builder and a connector. The Wildcats are in great hands.”
