University of Pittsburgh women’s basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio announced one promotion and two additions to her 2016-17 staff Thursday.
Brianne O’Rourke was promoted to director of basketball operations after serving for the 2015-16 season as the team’s video coordinator. Amadou Koundoul was named director of video services and program development, and April Robinson joined the staff as graduate student manager.
O’Rourke’s new responsibilities include directing the day-to-day operations of the program and acting as the main liaison between the team and other areas in the athletics department and university. She will oversee team travel, scheduling and other program advancement.
“We’re excited to move Brianne into the director of operations position,” McConnell-Serio said. “Having worked with her for a year already, she’s very organized, motivated and she takes initiative. She’s been great with our team as far as the expectation level that we have. She will do a great job in this new role.”
Koundoul, a Dakar, Senegal, native, comes to Pittsburgh after spending the last two years as athletic director and head basketball coach at T2 Honors Academy in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior coaching experience includes stints at Seattle University (2012-14), Duquesne University (2011-12), Centenary College of Louisiana (2009-10), Branch West Recruiting (2008), Saint Stanislaus College (2008-09), Summit College Prep (2007-08), Stoneridge Prep (2006-07) and Cleveland State University (2005-06).
As a player, Koundoul began at Vincennes University (Ind.), helping the squad to a 25-2 record in 2000-01, before moving on to Highland Community College (Ill.), where he was part of a conference championship team in 2001-02. He joined Hall of Fame Coach Rollie Massimino’s Cleveland State squad for the 2004-05 campaign, earning his bachelor’s degree in communications from CSU in May 2005 before beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 2005-06.
“Pape [Koundoul] has been on the men’s side, and he’s very experienced,” McConnell-Serio said. “Being in this video position, he’s someone who will work with film daily. With his knowledge of the game and how he sees things, it will help us greatly with scouting and with our own team preparing for games. His role will be instrumental in our success because video is a big part of what we do. He brings a new dimension to our staff, which I’m very excited about.”
Following a decorated four-year playing career across town at Duquesne, Robinson joins the Pitt staff as a graduate student manager. She capped an illustrious senior season by being named the 2016 Atlantic 10 Conference Co-Player of the Year, All-A10 first team and Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. The 5-foot-8 guard led the Dukes with 14.9 points and 6.4 assists per game and was named a national finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award. The Springfield, Va., native will pursue a MBA while managing duties with the women’s basketball staff.
“Knowing April, she is very knowledgeable about the game of basketball,” McConnell-Serio said. “Having had the experience that she did during her as a player and watching her grow these last four years, we’re hoping that our players learn from her about what it takes to be successful. She has a great basketball mind and is eager to learn. We’re excited that she’s a part of our program.”
http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/092216aaa.html
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