Cornell University announced this week that Amber Easter has been appointed assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Big Red women's basketball program, a move that blends her playing pedigree with a diverse coaching résumé.
Head coach Emily Garner praised Easter’s energy, relationship‑building skills, and talent for recruiting and developing high‑level student‑athletes, saying the hire aligns perfectly with the program’s ambitions.
A Career Built on Growth
Easter’s coaching journey began as head girls junior varsity coach at Bethel High School before she moved into graduate assistantships at Virginia Commonwealth University and a director of operations role at George Mason.
She spent three seasons at Radford as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, followed by three years at St. Bonaventure where she coordinated practices and produced scouting reports.
Her next stop was Bethune‑Cookman, where she helped the Wildcats reach the second round of the SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament, showcasing her ability to elevate programs in a short time.
From Player to Coach
Easter was a standout player at George Mason, finishing her career ranked 11th all‑time in scoring with 1,277 points and earning Second Team All‑CAA honors as a senior. She also earned a spot on the All‑CAA Rookie Team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
She later completed an MBA at Virginia Commonwealth University, a combination of academic rigor and athletic experience that informs her approach to player development.
Looking Ahead in Ithaca
At Cornell, Easter will blend her recruiting acumen with a focus on building relationships that help student‑athletes thrive both on the court and in the classroom. Her diverse background, from Florida’s Daytona Beach to Virginia’s Hampton, equips her with a unique perspective that the Big Red program hopes will translate into continued growth and competitiveness.