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Former Lady Vols basketball star Michelle Marciniak has been hired as the general manager for Arizona women's basketball.
Marciniak joins the staff of new coach Becky Burke, who was hired on April 9 to replace Adia Barnes. The general manager position is a newer one in college sports, and Marciniak's responsibilities will include program operations, staffing, roster management, global recruiting and NIL development. She will also act as an adviser to Burke on program culture, leadership and national brand strategy.
"This opportunity brings together everything I care deeply about — the business of basketball, leadership, and building something meaningful alongside others," Marciniak said in a school release. "I've been shaped by a championship mindset, and I'm committed to contributing in a way that honors the incredible foundation already in place ... my goal is to help elevate the Arizona women's basketball brand and build a sustainable national championship program. I'm excited to work together on a thoughtful, strategic path forward."
The other power conference program to make a general manager hire for women's basketball this spring is Cal, which hired Meghin Williams. Duke has had a general manager since June 2022, North Carolina hired one in June 2023 and USC hired a GM in September 2024.
Marciniak played for legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt from 1993-96. She was a senior when Tennessee won the 1996 national championship, and she was named Most Outstanding Player. Marciniak helped lead the Lady Vols to two SEC championships and back-to-back trips to the Final Four.
Marciniak played professionally for six seasons in the ABL and the WNBA before becoming a coach. She was an assistant coach at South Carolina from 2003-08.
"Becky is a fierce competitor with a passion for the game that deeply resonates with me," Marciniak said. "She wants to win — and she's a proven winner. She has both the basketball IQ and the emotional intelligence to be a truly successful coach. I believe in Becky — she's the reason I said yes to coming to Arizona. What sets her apart is her conviction, her humility and the way she leads with purpose and an all-in mentality that inspires everyone around her."
Marciniak went on to co-found SHEEX with Susan Walvius, who was the head coach at South Carolina when Marciniak was on staff. SHEEX is the world's first performance bedding company, and it raised more than $25 million in capital as it became a globally recognized brand. Marciniak was co-CEO of SHEEX for 17 years.
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Michelle Marciniak hired as Arizona women's basketball general manager
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Marciniak joins the staff of new coach Becky Burke, who was hired on April 9 to replace Adia Barnes. The general manager position is a newer one in college sports, and Marciniak's responsibilities will include program operations, staffing, roster management, global recruiting and NIL development. She will also act as an adviser to Burke on program culture, leadership and national brand strategy.
"This opportunity brings together everything I care deeply about — the business of basketball, leadership, and building something meaningful alongside others," Marciniak said in a school release. "I've been shaped by a championship mindset, and I'm committed to contributing in a way that honors the incredible foundation already in place ... my goal is to help elevate the Arizona women's basketball brand and build a sustainable national championship program. I'm excited to work together on a thoughtful, strategic path forward."
The other power conference program to make a general manager hire for women's basketball this spring is Cal, which hired Meghin Williams. Duke has had a general manager since June 2022, North Carolina hired one in June 2023 and USC hired a GM in September 2024.
Marciniak played for legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt from 1993-96. She was a senior when Tennessee won the 1996 national championship, and she was named Most Outstanding Player. Marciniak helped lead the Lady Vols to two SEC championships and back-to-back trips to the Final Four.
Marciniak played professionally for six seasons in the ABL and the WNBA before becoming a coach. She was an assistant coach at South Carolina from 2003-08.
"Becky is a fierce competitor with a passion for the game that deeply resonates with me," Marciniak said. "She wants to win — and she's a proven winner. She has both the basketball IQ and the emotional intelligence to be a truly successful coach. I believe in Becky — she's the reason I said yes to coming to Arizona. What sets her apart is her conviction, her humility and the way she leads with purpose and an all-in mentality that inspires everyone around her."
Marciniak went on to co-found SHEEX with Susan Walvius, who was the head coach at South Carolina when Marciniak was on staff. SHEEX is the world's first performance bedding company, and it raised more than $25 million in capital as it became a globally recognized brand. Marciniak was co-CEO of SHEEX for 17 years.
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Michelle Marciniak hired as Arizona women's basketball general manager
Continue reading...
