Kelly Morrone Named New Head Women's Basketball Coach at Albany

Proven program builder takes over Great Danes after successful stint at Merrimack

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:35pm

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The University at Albany has hired Kelly Morrone as the new head coach of the women's basketball program. Morrone arrives in Albany after a successful six-year tenure at Merrimack College, where she guided the Warriors through their transition to Division I and earned MAAC Coach of the Year honors in 2026.

Why it matters

Morrone inherits a Great Danes program that has been one of the premier women's basketball destinations in the Northeast, having won five consecutive America East titles and made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances under previous coaches. Her proven track record of building successful programs at the Division I level makes her an exciting hire as Albany looks to continue its winning tradition.

The details

During her time at Merrimack, Morrone led the Warriors to back-to-back semifinal appearances in the Northeast Conference and then guided them to consecutive MAAC semifinal berths after the program's transition to that league. She was named the 2026 MAAC Coach of the Year after leading Merrimack to a 19-win season and a No. 3 seed in the conference tournament.

  • Morrone was hired as Albany's new head women's basketball coach in April 2026.
  • She spent the previous six seasons as the head coach at Merrimack College.

The players

Kelly Morrone

The new head women's basketball coach at the University at Albany, Morrone arrives in Albany after a successful six-year tenure at Merrimack College where she guided the program through its transition to Division I and earned MAAC Coach of the Year honors in 2026.

Mark Benson

The Director of Athletics at the University at Albany, Benson announced the hiring of Morrone as the Great Danes' new head women's basketball coach.

Havidán Rodríguez

The President of the University at Albany, who welcomed Morrone to the Great Dane community and expressed excitement about her leadership of the women's basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“Kelly is a proven winner who has consistently demonstrated the ability to build strong programs at every level. Her talent for elevating programs was on full display as she helped lead Merrimack through the transition from Division II to Division I.”

— Mark Benson, Director of Athletics, University at Albany

“I am incredibly honored and excited to accept the position of head women's basketball coach at the University at Albany. I've long admired the tradition and pride of the Great Danes, and I am deeply grateful to be entrusted with this important opportunity.”

— Kelly Morrone, Women's Basketball Head Coach, University at Albany

“On behalf of the entire University at Albany community, we are excited to welcome Kelly Morrone as head coach of our women's basketball team. Coach Morrone has a strong track record of leading student-athletes to success on the court, in the classroom, and in life.”

— Havidán Rodríguez, President, University at Albany

What’s next

Morrone will be formally introduced as the new head women's basketball coach at the University at Albany in a press conference at a later date.

The takeaway

Morrone's proven ability to build successful Division I programs, including guiding Merrimack through its transition to the Division I level, makes her an exciting hire for Albany as they look to continue their women's basketball success and tradition.