Women's Basketball
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
Morgan Valley is in her second season as an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Washington in 2016-17 after being hired by former head coach Mike Neighbors on August 12, 2015. The three-time NCAA Champion at the University of Connecticut has a deep tradition of winning at the highest level of collegiate women's basketball.
In the first two seasons that Valley has been on the Husky coaching staff, Washington has made a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament, punctuated by a historic run to the Final Four in 2015-16. The Huskies entered the NCAA’s as a No. 7 seed, defeating No. 10-seed Pennsylvania, No. 2 Maryland, No. 3 Kentucky and No. 4 Stanford to reach the Final Four.
In 2016-17, Valley helped guide the Huskies to a program-record 29 wins, including an 18-1 mark at home. For the first time since 1995, Washington was selected to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament where the Huskies advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the second consecutive year for the first time in program history.
Under Valley's tutelage, forward Chantel Osahor garnered national and conference awards while establishing several program and Pac-12 Conference records. Osahor became just the second player in program history to be named a WBCA All-American after leading the nation in rebounds per game (15.3) and double-doubles (30). She became Washington's all-time leading rebounder with 1,253 and her 519 boards in 2016-17 tied the Pac-12 record for most rebounds in a season.
“We challenge our players on a daily basis to surround themselves with ‘championship people’,” said Neighbors.” We did just that with the addition of Morgan Valley to our program today. I have racked my brain trying to think of another assistant coach in the game that was a two-time high school All-American and won three NCAA Championships.”
Valley began coaching immediately after completing her eligibility, serving as a student assistant at UConn under Geno Auriemma. She then moved on to Holy Cross (2005-07), Towson, New Hampshire, University of Massachusetts (2010-14) and most recently Virginia Tech, working her way up from a graduate assistant to a full-time coach.
Valley played for some of the best teams in NCAA women’s basketball history, winning a then-record 70-straight games at UConn to go with the three national titles. A guard for the Huskies from 2000 to 2004, Valley was a BIG EAST All-Star in 2001 and finished her career by helping UConn to a 139-8 record.
Known for her intelligence, leadership and hard work on the court, the transition to the sideline was a natural for Valley following her playing career.
“Morgan has worked tirelessly from a graduate assistant to every chair as a full time assistant at five Universities to break the stigma that great players can't become great coaches,” said Neighbors. “Her experiences and relationships that she has developed in her 16 years in the game will be unique for our current and future student-athletes to learn from.”
Valley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Connecticut.
“To bring a seasoned coach like Morgan speaks loudly to the commitment the University of Washington and our athletic department has made to women's basketball,” said Neighbors. “Help us in welcoming the newest Dawg to the Pack.”
What Valley’s colleagues are saying…
“Morgan was one of the hardest working and smartest players we have had. It's no coincidence that she has had success as a coach. UW is getting a great person who's driven, passionate and loyal. Morgan will have a tremendous impact on the Huskies program.” -- Hall of Fame Coach Geno Auriemma
“Morgan is one of the hardest working assistant coaches in the country. She has a passion for the game, a talent for player evaluation and loves recruiting. Most importantly, she is loyal and will be a great addition to the Washington Huskies staff.” -- UConn Associate Head Coach Chris Dailey
“Morgan is the most passionate and hard-working individual I have met in the game of basketball in my 20 years. As a freshman at UConn, she taught me what is was to be focused and determined to reach your maximum potential. She brings the best out of people in so many ways. University of Washington has added a championship mentality in a flash!” -- WNBA Star Diana Taurasi
“To this day I don’t know anyone that can match Morgan’s work ethic and passion for the game. Morgan was a great teammate but most importantly a loyal friend. If I was going to war she would be the one that I want by my side. The University of Washington got a True Champion!”-- Seattle Storm Legend Sue Bird
