William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Blake James announced today the hiring of Kate Popovec-Goss, head coach at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, as the new head women’s basketball coach at Boston College.
Popovec-Goss comes to Chestnut Hill after a four-year stint at Bradley University. She will become the ninth head coach in Boston College Women’s Basketball program history.
Popovec-Goss had a highly successful tenure at Bradley, growing the Braves’ win total from four wins in 2022-23 to 20 wins this past season and earned a WNIT bid, only the second postseason appearance in program history. As head coach, she played a critical role in player development and her players have received multiple Missouri Valley All-Conference and all-freshman team selections, and the first Newcomer of the Year honoree in program history.
“Kate Popovec-Goss is a proven winner and transformational leader; we are excited to welcome her to Boston College,” James said. “Her track record including recent success in rebuilding Bradley aligns with our vision. We believe she has the drive and experience necessary to lead our program moving forward.”
Prior to working at Bradley, Popovec-Goss served as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Northwestern University from 2017 to 2022. While at Northwestern, the Wildcats competed in the postseason in five of her six seasons and were also the 2020 Big Ten Tournament champions. She was responsible for nationally ranked recruiting classes, including the 2021 class which ranked top-10 nationally by ESPN. Popovec-Goss’s coaching experience also includes roles at Colgate University and La Salle University.
“I am incredibly honored to be named the head coach at Boston College, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, in one of the best cities in the nation,” said Popovec-Goss. “This is a special opportunity, and I’m excited to build a program that reflects the excellence, integrity, and tradition that define BC. It is evident that BC believes in building a championship experience both on the court and off of it, which aligns with my mission as coach. My family and I are so grateful for the belief of Fr. Leahy, Blake James, and Shauna Cobb. I can’t wait to get to work! Go Eagles!”
Coaching History
2022-26: Bradley University, Head Coach
2017-22: Northwestern, Associate Head Coach / Recruiting Coordinator
2016-17: Colgate, Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator
2014-16: Northwestern, Director of Player Development
2013-14: La Salle, Director of Basketball Operations
Popovec-Goss holds both a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies (2013) and a master’s degree in Sports Administration (2014) from Northwestern University. She is a four-year Division I letter winner having played college basketball at Northwestern and the University of Pittsburgh.
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