Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director, Christina Paone, has announced the appointment of Johnny Montello as the 11th Head Women’s Basketball Coach in Walsh University history.
Montello returns to Walsh University, having previously served as an Assistant Coach for the Walsh Women’s Basketball program from 2016 to 2019 and again from 2020 to 2022. Over the past three seasons, he has held the position of first assistant coach at Indiana University Indianapolis, working under the successful former head coach Kate Bruce.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to take over the Women’s Basketball Program at Walsh University, a place that has meant so much to me throughout my coaching journey, Montello said. “I am motivated to help our athletes on and off the court become the best versions of themselves, who excel in the classroom, community, competition, and in life – and to create a culture that the entire Walsh University family can rally behind.”
Montello played a key role in some of the most successful seasons in Walsh Women’s Basketball, particularly in the NCAA DII era. His leadership led to the programs first DII Sweet Sixteen appearance, a G-MAC regular season and tournament championship title, a program best 28-5 season in 2022, and 3 NCAA Tournament appearances. Along with his on-court success, Montello was selected as a WBCA Thirty Under 30 member 2 seasons in a row.
“We are thrilled to welcome home, Johnny Montello, as the new head Women’s Basketball coach,” Paone said. “With a proven track record of leadership, dedication, and success on and off the court, Coach Montello embodies the values and vision we strive for in our program at Walsh University. We are confident that under his guidance, our team will reach new heights and continue to build a culture of excellence and teamwork.”
Montello received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Psychology with an Entrepreneurship minor from Hiram College in 2016 and then received his Masters of Business Administration in 2018.
