All-female UTC basketball staff leads team to success

Deandra Schirmer's coaching staff at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is making waves as one of just 34 all-female coaching staffs in Division I basketball.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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When Deandra Schirmer was named the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's head women's basketball coach in 2024, she assembled an all-female coaching staff, including her former assistant Tianni Kelly as associate head coach, as well as Alexis Uffmann, Nicole Heyn, and Mallory Odell. This staff has helped the Mocs overcome injuries and surpass last season's win total, leading the team to a 15-5 record and 7-0 start in Southern Conference play. The players have praised the staff's empowerment and support, with junior guard Caia Elisaldez noting the significance of being led by coaches who have faced similar adversity.

Why it matters

All-female coaching staffs are rare in Division I basketball, with only 34 out of 363 programs having one. Schirmer's staff at UTC is breaking new ground, showing that women can successfully lead a major college basketball program. Their success on the court and the players' positive response to the coaching staff's approach highlights the value of diversity and representation in sports leadership.

The details

Schirmer brought together her former assistant Tianni Kelly as associate head coach, as well as Alexis Uffmann, Nicole Heyn, and Mallory Odell to form an all-female coaching staff. The staff has clear responsibilities, with Kelly focused on player development, Uffmann on defense, Heyn on sideline out-of-bounds plays, and Odell on baseline out-of-bounds plays and post players. This collaborative approach has helped the Mocs overcome injuries and improve on last season's 17-15 record, currently sitting at 15-5 overall and 7-0 in Southern Conference play.

  • Deandra Schirmer was named UTC's head coach in April 2024.
  • Tianni Kelly joined Schirmer's staff as associate head coach prior to the 2025-26 season.
  • The Mocs are 15-5 overall and 7-0 in Southern Conference play as of February 2026.

The players

Deandra Schirmer

The head women's basketball coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, who assembled an all-female coaching staff.

Tianni Kelly

The associate head coach at UTC, who previously served as Schirmer's assistant at Valdosta State and then as a head coach at the University of Charleston.

Alexis Uffmann

An assistant coach on Schirmer's staff at UTC, focusing on the team's defense.

Nicole Heyn

An assistant coach on Schirmer's staff at UTC, working on sideline out-of-bounds plays.

Mallory Odell

An assistant coach on Schirmer's staff at UTC, responsible for baseline out-of-bounds plays and working with the post players.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to be there for her that day. Regardless of whether I was going to join the staff or not, I wanted to be able to support her. This is a huge deal to be able to have this opportunity, so I wanted to be there for her that day. Then when I got down here, it kind of spoke for itself, right?”

— Tianni Kelly, Associate Head Coach (Times Free Press)

“It's really empowering to see females that have been through the same adversity that each one of us have been through, and for them to come out on top. I don't think basketball, especially in the coaching room, is something to easily succeed in, and I think even more so that as a woman, I don't think it's easy to succeed in many things because I think the stereotype of who we are and everything gets taken a lot for what it is.”

— Caia Elisaldez, Junior Guard (Times Free Press)

What’s next

The Mocs will face Furman and Wofford this week, with a chance to solidify their lead in the Southern Conference standings.

The takeaway

Deandra Schirmer's all-female coaching staff at UTC is breaking new ground in Division I basketball, demonstrating that women can successfully lead a major college program. Their collaborative approach and the players' positive response highlight the value of diversity and representation in sports leadership.