Photo and story courtesy of Dartmouth Athletics
Communications
HANOVER, N.H. -- Dartmouth College Athletics
Director Harry Sheehy announced today that
Belle Koclanes (koh-CLAH-ness) has been hired as
the Big Green’s head coach of women’s basketball. A
10-year veteran of collegiate coaching, Koclanes comes to Dartmouth
following a two-year stint as an assistant coach at American
University of the Patriot League in Washington, D.C.
“I am thrilled to welcome Belle into the Dartmouth athletics
family and community,” said Sheehy. “During her visit
to our campus, Belle impressed everyone with her knowledge of and
passion for the game of basketball. She has learned the game from
great coaches in great programs and is well-suited to lead our team
into the future. Our current team and future Dartmouth
women’s basketball players will love playing for Belle.
“I also want to thank the four dedicated alumnae who served
on our Search Advisory Committee,” Sheehy added.
“Allison Greene ’90, Ute
Bowman Otley ’90, Sherryta Freeman
’01 and Ashley Taylor Meyer ’07 were
very generous with their time and insights, and played a critical
role in the search process.”
Koclanes spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach and the
recruiting coordinator at American, where she helped lead the
Eagles to back-to-back winning records. During her first season,
American posted the first undefeated Patriot League record (14-0)
in conference history. In addition, Koclanes was responsible for
the development of the guards as well as game strategy.
“I want to thank Harry Sheehy, [Senior Associate Athletics
Director] Drew Galbraith and the entire Dartmouth
family for the opportunity to bring my experiences and passion of
coaching to the Big Green,” Koclanes said. “As soon as
I arrived in Hanover, it was evident that the people make the
place. I am excited to connect with the community and see many
familiar faces in Leede Arena.”
Prior to her stint at American, Koclanes spent three seasons on the
staff at Old Dominion University for legendary coach Wendy
Larry. During her time in Norfolk, the Lady Monarchs
recorded a 56-38 overall record, including a 39-15 mark in Colonial
Athletic Association play, and earned two berths in the WNIT.
Koclanes was responsible for the development of the guards with
additional responsibilities for recruiting and game scouting.
Koclanes is no stranger to the Ivy League having started her career
as the director of operations at Columbia University during the
2003-04 season before spending four seasons as an assistant coach
at the University of Pennsylvania. During her tenure at Penn,
Koclanes assisted in all aspects of recruiting, scouting, on-court
coaching and game preparation.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Koclanes spent the 2002-03
season playing professionally for Panserraikos in the Greek
Basketball League.
A three-year captain at the University of Richmond, Koclanes
finished her collegiate career as the Spiders’ career assist
leader and was an All-America nominee as well as a Naismith Award
candidate.
Koclanes earned her degree in leadership studies from Richmond in
2002 and her master’s in culture and communication from New
York University in 2004. She has utilized her degree by
implementing a 12-month leadership development program with the
American women’s basketball team and also spent time as a
leadership teacher at Leaders Challenge Summer Academy and the
Sports Challenge Leadership Academy.
A member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association,
Koclanes has presented at the Assistant Coaches Roundtables in
conjunction with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association
Convention held each year at the Final Four.
“Dartmouth has a strong winning tradition that has been
established by the outstanding coaches and players of the
past,” said Koclanes. “I am eager for the challenge to
continue this legacy. I believe that coaching is about building
relationships with people and creating a culture for young adults
to achieve excellence. Our team culture will be rooted in respect,
attitude and preparation. With these values at our core, we will
wear the Green with pride as we strive for our 18th Ivy League
title.”
Koclanes inherits a squad that returns 13 letterwinners, including
11 underclassmen. She replaces longtime Dartmouth head coach Chris
Wielgus who stepped down after 28 years at the helm of the
program.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Wendy Larry, Head Coach, Old Dominion University
1988-2011, Current Associate Commissioner, Atlantic 10
Conference
“Replacing a legend is a difficult task. Belle’s love
and passion for the game is contagious! She will respect the past,
embrace the present and lead positively into the future of
Dartmouth women’s basketball.”
Sherryta Freeman ’01, Senior Associate
Athletics Director, Temple University; member of Women’s
Basketball Search Advisory Committee
“Belle has excellent basketball knowledge and an impressive
approach to leading a team. Her interview left a lasting impression
on me. She is ready to be a head coach and will be a great leader
of Dartmouth women. She was able to communicate how she would run
the program in terms of X’s and O’s and her
approach to leadership training shined through.”
Matt Corkery, Head Coach, American University
“Belle is a rising star in the coaching ranks and a fantastic
hire for Dartmouth. She is an excellent teacher, motivator and
recruiter. I believe she will do great things at
Dartmouth.”