VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds are pleased to announce the appointment of Erin McAleenan as the new head coach of the women's basketball team, taking over the program following the upcoming retirement of Deb Huband after 27 years at the helm.
 
McAleenan has forged deep roots in Canadian basketball, first as a U SPORTS student-athlete followed by coaching stops at the high school and provincial team level (Alberta & Ontario). Over the last 10 years the native of Sussex, New Brunswick has enjoyed coaching at three separate universities while also interspersing sideline duties for Canada at tournaments on the international stage.


 
"I am honoured and excited to be taking over the UBC Thunderbirds Women's Basketball program," said McAleenan. "When I first heard about the position, I was very intrigued at the opportunity to work at one of the top ranked universities in the country and in an athletic department that exudes excellence. Throughout the process, it became clear that UBC is the best fit for me. Here I can continue to develop young women through sport while pursuing success at the highest level. I look forward to building on the tremendous legacy that Deb Huband has left."
 
"We were impressed with Erin's vast experience, energy and innovation as a leader in building up U SPORTS programs," added Kavie Toor, UBC Managing Director of Athletics and Recreation. "We're excited to have Erin join the Thunderbirds family and carry on the great legacy of our women's basketball program for years to come."
 
McAleenan heads west to join the T-Birds after spending the last five years as head coach of the York Lions women's team. McAleenan's first season with the Lions saw her inherit a team that went 2-17 in 2014-15 and since then has steadily progressed the program improving to an 11-11 record in the 2019-20 season. This recent success included McAleenan leading the Lions to their first playoff win in 11 seasons in the 2019 OUA post-season. Leading to her being named York's Coach of the Year.


 
In addition to her work with York University, McAleenan was also the lead assistant coach for the Canadian junior national team at the 2018 FIBA Americas Women's Championship in Mexico City, helping guide the U18 squad to a silver medal. The following year she was part of the staff for the U19 national team that competed at the 2019 FIBA Women's World Basketball Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, where Canada finished sixth.
 
McAleenan feels fortunate to have had opportunities to work with student-athletes in various age groups both across Canada and around the globe, believing those experiences have taught her valuable lessons in how to connect and earn a player's trust.
 
"I am passionate, hardworking, and caring. I pride myself on building relationships with student-athletes, coaches, and support staff and creating a positive environment. As a U SPORTS head coach, the best part of my job is being able to work with student-athletes. My focus is on their development as people and athletes so they can go on to be successful in whatever journey they choose. It is the daily interactions with all members of the team that drives me to be the best version of myself."
 
Before York came calling, McAleenan was immersed in Canada West action as the head coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns for three seasons. During her time in Lethbridge, she guided the program to its best record in 18 years in 2012-13 while also creating an alumni association and developing the local Jr. Horns Basketball Club. Prior to the Pronghorns, McAleenan found herself further north in Alberta as a lead assistant coach with the University of Alberta Pandas women's team from 2010 to 2012.
 
McAleenan's further national and international coaching experience includes assistant coaching duties with the Canadian cadette women's team in 2015. She was also the head coach of Alberta's U17 Canada Summer Games team in 2013 and an assistant coach for Canada's Pan Am Games team in 2011.
 
Prior to entering the coaching ranks, McAleenan enjoyed a four-year playing career (1999-2003) as a point guard at Acadia University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to receive her education degree from Trent University and then her Master's in coaching from the University of Alberta. She spent six years as a high school teacher in Port Hope, Ont., before beginning her post-graduate degree.
 
McAleenan will officially begin her new position with the T-Birds in June.