SHERMAN, Texas – Michelle Filander has been named the new head coach of the Austin College women’s basketball program, vice president for Student Affairs and Athletics Tim Millerick has announced. Filander comes to Austin College from Washington & Jefferson College, where she served as an assistant coach for four seasons. She will also serve as the Senior Women’s Administrator at Austin College.
“I am pleased to have a woman of Michelle’s coaching caliber and NCAA Division III experience from another national liberal arts college join our staff,” said Millerick. “The success she has had personally will enable her to provide our women’s basketball program with positive, experienced leadership to build on the achievements of the program in recent years.”
Filander first served as an assistant at Washington & Jefferson from 2004-2007 before taking over the role of wellness coach at the Charlotte County YMCA of North Port, Florida. Filander returned to W&J for the 2009-2010 season. The Presidents made three trips to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament with Filander on the sideline including a first round appearance this past year when W&J went 23-5. Overall, Filander helped coach the Presidents to an 86-26 record in her four years.
Prior to her time at Washington & Jefferson, Filander served as an assistant coach at Bethany College and helped guide the team to an overall record of 61-22. Between her stints at Washington & Jefferson and Bethany, Filander helped coach those two teams to three Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships.
“We are excited to add Michelle to what is already one of the most outstanding Division III staffs in the country,” said Director of Athletics David Norman. “In addition to coaching, as the Senior Women’s Administrator she will provide outstanding administrative assistance to me as we move into the future.”
Filander, who began her playing career at NCAA Division I Robert Morris University, received her degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2001 and later earned her Master’s degree in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University in 2004. While serving as a student assistant at Ohio Wesleyan in 2001, Filander helped lead the team to the NCAA Division III Final Four.
Along with her playing and coaching experience, Filander has given guest lectures on stress management and psychology of injury while at Bethany and also organized a study in sport psychology. During her time at Washington & Jefferson, she coordinated the team’s strength and conditioning program and was an integral part of the program’s recruiting process.
Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
About Austin College
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.