Marietta College’s search for a new women’s basketball head coach did not last long as the position was given to former standout player and longtime assistant coach Jenna Andersen on Friday (Sept. 6) morning. Assistant coach Karlee Ziliak was promoted to Associate Head Coach and will serve as Andersen’s top assistant.
“I am so incredibly thankful to have been named the next head coach for Marietta College Women’s Basketball,” said Andersen. “I am excited to continue to lead this team with the help from Coach (Karlee) Ziliak and Coach (Scott) Stalter. As an alumna of the program, I am so honored to lead this team into our next chapter. Go Pios!”
Andersen is no stranger to Pioneer basketball as she was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team. She was a three-year letter winner and started every game in her junior and senior season. During that final season, Andersen was a captain for the team that went on to win a program record 24 games, win their first OAC Championship, and make the program’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
After her graduation in 2018, Andersen joined the Pioneers coaching staff where she helped in the development of future Pioneer post players. She was also vital to helping the Pioneers succeed in the classroom. While serving as the team’s academic coordinator, she was integral in helping the team achieve their best GPAs over the last three years.
“Jenna has been here throughout our recent growth and expansion of our women’s basketball program,” Marietta Director of Athletics Larry Hiser said. “We won nine games her freshman year and 24 her senior year when we captured our first OAC Championship in 2018. Her coaching presence ensured that ’18 was not a fluke and we have been a consistent force in the OAC ever sense. I look forward to Jenna taking the reins and putting her mark on the program.”
Andersen replaces Kole Vivian, whom she assisted over the last six seasons. Under their guidance, the Pioneers reached the NCAA Tournament for the last three seasons, including an appearance in the 2023 NCAA Sweet 16 round.
“I am not sure if anyone has had more to do with the success of the women’s basketball program over the last 10 years than Coach Andersen,” said former coach Vivian. “As a player, she was a great leader and teammate that allowed the program to win the first OAC tournament title in program history. As a coach, she helped recruit, develop and coach the next wave of driven student-athletes that allowed the program to achieve success nationally. She is respected and loved by the team and co-workers, and I am confident she will be the force that raises the standard of the program even more in the coming years. I couldn’t be happier for Coach Andersen as she takes on this opportunity!”
Andersen will be assisted by Ziliak and Scott Stalter and there are plans to hire an additional coach in the very near future. Ziliak is entering her third season on the Pioneer coaching staff. She came to Marietta after completing her playing career at NCAA Division II Southern New Hampshire University.
“I want to thank Coach Vivian for his tremendous leadership and guidance that allowed me to be in this position, and to continue the growth that he has brought to this program,” added coach Andersen. “I would also like to thank athletic director Larry Hiser and the rest of the administration for believing in my abilities as a coach.”
The Pioneers will open the season on November 9 as they travel to battle Bethany College. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
