Monmouth University announced this week that John Azzinaro and Anna Newman have been added to the women's basketball coaching staff for the 2026‑27 season, reinforcing a unit that helped the Hawks to a 21‑12 record and a berth in the CAA Quarterfinals and the second round of the WNIT.
Azzinaro arrives after two seasons apiece at Fordham University and Rider University, where he also contributed to the WNBA's Chicago Sky earlier in his career. Newman spent five years at the University of Evansville, first as an assistant coach and later as recruiting coordinator, shaping talent pipelines that emphasized both skill development and community engagement.
The new staff will also feature returning assistants Cristina Centeno and Aja Boyd, graduate assistant Alexis Andrews, who surpassed 1,000 career points last season while leading the team in minutes played, and Director of Basketball Operations Kristin Barrett, a former volunteer assistant at Providence College.
A Strategic Boost for the Hawks
Coach Cait Wetmore guided the team to 11 home victories and a top‑five finish in the Colonial Athletic Association standings during the 2025‑26 season, a performance that set the stage for the program's second 20‑plus win campaign in fifteen years.
Three players earned postseason recognition: Gigi Gamble received first‑team All‑CAA honors, Divine Dibula was selected to the second team, and Madalena Amaro earned a spot on the All‑CAA Rookie Team, underscoring the talent that will continue to develop under the expanded staff.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of WNBA experience, proven recruiting acumen, and a track record of player development, the coaching staff aims to sustain the momentum built over the past two seasons. The front office expressed confidence that the additions will help the Hawks maintain their competitive edge in the CAA and pursue deeper runs in national postseason tournaments.