Syracuse, N.Y. — Katie Kolinski, who broke barriers as the first female graduate assistant coach in the history of the Syracuse men’s basketball program, is returning to the area as an assistant with the Le Moyne women’s basketball team.
Kolinski, who is also a West Genesee graduate, spent the previous four seasons as an assistant coach with the Lafayette women’s basketball team. During her time at Lafayette the Leopards regularly finished in the middle of the Patriot League standings.
Kolinski is returning home as Le Moyne builds up its staffing and embarks on its first Division I season.
Last year, Le Moyne had just one full-time assistant coach. This year, Kolinski is one of two on the staff of head coach Mary Grimes.
The school announced it was transitioning to Division I earlier this year and will compete in the Northeastern Conference.
The Dolphins have found success at the Division II level in recent years, making fur consecutive NCAA tournaments under a pair of coaches. It went 21-7 last year, sharing the regular-season title in the Northesast-10.
Kolinski was a graduate assistant coach at Syracuse for two years, as well as a student manager for four.
In addition to her time at Syracuse and Lafayette, Kolinski worked as the director of basketball operations at Buffalo under current SU women’s coach Felisha Legette-Jack.
In addition to coaching, Kolinski has been a regular workout partner for a number of high-level professional athletes including Breanna Stewart, Brittney Sykes and Kayla Alexander.
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Le Moyne College will jump to NCAA Division I athletics starting this fall
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