Loyola University New Orleans director of intercollegiate athletics and wellness Dr. Michael Giorlando announced the hiring of former Tulane assistant Kellie Kennedy as women’s basketball coach on July 7 th, 2008.

During her 10 campaigns with the Green Wave, Kennedy served as the recruiting coordinator, oversaw scheduling, and supervised Tulane’s annual tournament. Kennedy also assisted with scouting opponents and the annual summer camp. She left the Green Wave following the 2005-06 season to enter private business.

Kennedy arrived at Tulane in 1996 after one season as an assistant coach at the University of Richmond. From May to July of 1996, she served as interim head coach of the Spiders.

Prior to joining the Richmond staff, Kennedy was the head coach at Division III Hollins College in Roanoke, Va. from 1993-95. During her time at Hollins, she served one year on the NCAA South Regional Committee. Kennedy was also the head soccer coach and an assistant professor of physical education at the Virginia school.

Kennedy landed at Hollins after three seasons as an assistant coach at UNC Wilmington from 1990-93. While at the school, she worked with all facets of the program, including planning pre and postseason workouts, scouting and recruiting. She also earned her master's degree in business administration from UNC Wilmington in 1993.

A 1990 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Kennedy was a four-year letterwinner for the Tar Heels. She earned Most Improved Player honors in 1988 and was the recipient of the 1990 UNC Scholar-Athlete and UNC Women's Basketball Senior Awards.

Kennedy also earned recognition on the Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Honor Roll in 1989 and 1990, qualifying for inclusion on the Dean's List both years. The summer prior to going to UNC, Kennedy was selected to play on an AAU Junior Olympic Development team from Charlotte that went on to win the 18 & Under Junior Olympic National Championship.

A native of Concord, N.C., Kennedy was a four-year basketball standout at Concord High. She was twice named MVP of her prep team. During her senior year, Kennedy led the team to the conference championship and the state final four. That same year, she was named to the Western Region All-Tournament team. She was a three-time all-district selection while in high school.

Kennedy is only the second head coach in the 13 year history of Loyola women’s basketball. She succeeds DoBee Plaisance who accepted the head position at Nicholls State University in May.

Last year’s Wolfpack team advanced to the NAIA Final Eight for the first time in the program’s history. Loyola also won a program best 28 games last season.

Comment from Dr. Michael Giorlando: “We are delighted to have Kellie Kennedy as Loyola's next head women's basketball coach.  She truly understands  Loyola’s mission and values. We feel confident that the success of the program in the class room and on the court will continue.”