Colleen Mullen Named URI Women's Basketball Coach

Mullen, 2025 America East Coach of the Year, returns to lead Rams after 8 seasons at Albany

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, with overlapping planes of navy blue, white, and gold representing the URI Rams.Mullen's strategic vision and proven ability to develop talent will be crucial as she takes the reins of the URI women's basketball program.Providence Today

The University of Rhode Island has named Colleen Mullen as its new women's basketball coach. Mullen, the 2025 America East Coach of the Year, spent two years as a player at URI from 1998-2000 before going on to a successful coaching career, including the last 8 seasons leading the University of Albany program.

Why it matters

Mullen takes over a URI women's basketball team that has seen tremendous success in recent years, including a school-record 28 wins and a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title this past season under former coach Tammi Reiss. Mullen's track record of winning and player development will be crucial as she looks to build on that momentum and keep the Rams among the top programs in the A-10.

The details

Mullen spent the last 8 seasons as the head coach at the University of Albany, leading the Great Danes to 4 consecutive national postseason appearances and 4 straight 20-win seasons from 2021-2025. Over her final 5 seasons in Albany, Mullen compiled a 110-50 overall record, including a 59-24 mark in conference play and a 65-11 record at home. Prior to Albany, Mullen was an associate head coach at Army for 7 seasons, helping the Black Knights win 2 Patriot League titles and earn 2 NCAA Tournament bids.

  • Mullen spent 2 years as a player at URI from 1998-2000.
  • Mullen was named the 2025 America East Coach of the Year.
  • Tammi Reiss left URI on March 23, 2026 to become the women's basketball coach at the University of Florida.

The players

Colleen Mullen

The new University of Rhode Island women's basketball coach, who was the 2025 America East Coach of the Year and spent 2 years as a player at URI from 1998-2000 before going on to a successful coaching career.

Tammi Reiss

The former URI women's basketball coach who left the program on March 23, 2026 to become the women's basketball coach at the University of Florida.

Pat Lyons

The University of Rhode Island Vice President and Director of Athletics who announced the hiring of Colleen Mullen as the new women's basketball coach.

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What they’re saying

“Mullen is a proven winner who will help ensure that Rhode Island women's basketball remains at the top of the Atlantic 10. She has thrived throughout her career in player development on and off the court. Her basketball record speaks for itself, and her ability to connect with student-athletes to help them reach their fullest potential in all areas is exceptional. I am thrilled to have her lead our program.”

— Pat Lyons, URI Vice President and Director of Athletics

“I look forward to building on the program's success, competing for championships and making our fans, university and alumni proud to be Rhody Rams. Our championship culture will be defined by a commitment to excellence in everything we do; on the court, in the classroom and in the community. I'm excited to get to work and begin the next chapter of Rhody women's basketball.”

— Colleen Mullen

The takeaway

Colleen Mullen's proven track record of winning and player development at Albany makes her an ideal choice to take over the URI women's basketball program and build on its recent success. Her familiarity with the school as a former player also gives her a unique perspective to connect with the team and community.