University of Massachusets Athletics
Women’s Basketball Adds Clare Fitzpatrick As Assistant Coach
May 22, 2023 | Women's Basketball
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts women's basketball head coach Mike Leflar announced the addition of assistant coach Clare Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick joins Yolanda Cole and Samera Marsh on the Minutewomen staff.
"Clare worked for two head coaches I respect," said Leflar. "I look forward to her positive impact on our program. I am confident Clare, Samera and Yolanda will be great examples for our young women."
The Southbury, Connecticut, native joins the Minutewomen staff after spending four years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Holy Cross.
Clare Fitzpatrick – Assistant Coach
Fitzpatrick comes to UMass as an assistant coach, bringing 10 years of extensive experience recruiting, creating player development plans, putting together opponent scout reports and defensive game plans, as well as specific skill instruction for post players. Her coaching career began at Yale University.
"I am excited to welcome Clare Fitzpatrick to UMass," Leflar added. "I knew Clare as a player in high school, college and have followed her journey in coaching. She has a great combination of on-court know how and recruiting experience."
While with the Crusaders, Fitzpatrick helped Holy Cross to a Patriot League Tournament Championship and a regular season title in back-to-back seasons. She was also instrumental in the team's 22nd 20-win season in program history and setting the program conference win mark with 14 in the 2021-22 season. Additionally, she guided several players to a Patriot League All-Tournament MVP honor, All-Rookie team nods, Rookie of the Year award and an All-League First, Second and Third team accolade, including first team selection and 2020 WNBA Draft selection Lauren Manis.
Prior to her time at Holy Cross, Fitzpatrick was a four-year assistant coach at the United States Air Force Academy. There, she played a key role in the Falcon's nation-wide recruiting efforts, as well as coordinating travel, marketing and social media.
Fitzpatrick started her coaching career at Yale as an assistant coach from 2013 to 2015.
Fitzpatrick earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Business in 2013 from Cornell University, where she was a four-time letterwinner. She started in a school-record 109 games during her career and finished seventh overall in points (1,201), sixth in rebounding (609), fourth in free throws made (328) and fifth in blocked shots (68). Fitzpatrick became only the second player in Cornell history to reach 1,200 career points and 600 career rebounds. She was named team captain for the 2012-13 season and was a two-time All-Ivy League selection (2011; 2012) and an All-Ivy Rookie Team selection in 2010.
"Clare worked for two head coaches I respect," said Leflar. "I look forward to her positive impact on our program. I am confident Clare, Samera and Yolanda will be great examples for our young women."
The Southbury, Connecticut, native joins the Minutewomen staff after spending four years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Holy Cross.
Clare Fitzpatrick – Assistant Coach
Fitzpatrick comes to UMass as an assistant coach, bringing 10 years of extensive experience recruiting, creating player development plans, putting together opponent scout reports and defensive game plans, as well as specific skill instruction for post players. Her coaching career began at Yale University.
"I am excited to welcome Clare Fitzpatrick to UMass," Leflar added. "I knew Clare as a player in high school, college and have followed her journey in coaching. She has a great combination of on-court know how and recruiting experience."
While with the Crusaders, Fitzpatrick helped Holy Cross to a Patriot League Tournament Championship and a regular season title in back-to-back seasons. She was also instrumental in the team's 22nd 20-win season in program history and setting the program conference win mark with 14 in the 2021-22 season. Additionally, she guided several players to a Patriot League All-Tournament MVP honor, All-Rookie team nods, Rookie of the Year award and an All-League First, Second and Third team accolade, including first team selection and 2020 WNBA Draft selection Lauren Manis.
Prior to her time at Holy Cross, Fitzpatrick was a four-year assistant coach at the United States Air Force Academy. There, she played a key role in the Falcon's nation-wide recruiting efforts, as well as coordinating travel, marketing and social media.
Fitzpatrick started her coaching career at Yale as an assistant coach from 2013 to 2015.
Fitzpatrick earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Business in 2013 from Cornell University, where she was a four-time letterwinner. She started in a school-record 109 games during her career and finished seventh overall in points (1,201), sixth in rebounding (609), fourth in free throws made (328) and fifth in blocked shots (68). Fitzpatrick became only the second player in Cornell history to reach 1,200 career points and 600 career rebounds. She was named team captain for the 2012-13 season and was a two-time All-Ivy League selection (2011; 2012) and an All-Ivy Rookie Team selection in 2010.
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