Duluth Marshall High School announced this week that Ella Olson will take the helm of the girls basketball program, while Quron Marks will lead the boys team, marking a fresh chapter for the program as the winter season approaches.
A Dual Leadership Shift
Olson, who previously served as an assistant coach at Marshall in the 2010s, returns after a distinguished playing and coaching stint at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she helped the Bulldogs capture a national tournament berth. Her deep familiarity with the program and proven track record made her the natural choice to succeed the previous staff.
Marks, meanwhile, brings a résumé that includes head coaching roles at NCAA Division II powerhouses Kentucky State University and St. Scholastica, where he honed a competitive, player‑focused approach. Athletic Director Anthony Wood praised both hires, stating that the new coaching duo is poised to rebuild the programs and chase postseason success.
Girls Team’s Recent Triumph
The girls squad captured the Section 7AA title and advanced to the Class AA state championship game, finishing the season with a 24‑8 record. Star guard Chloe Johnson anchored the team’s offense, but the championship matchup against Providence Academy ended in a 95‑60 defeat.
Despite the loss, the experience has set high expectations for the upcoming campaign, with the coaching staff promising to build on the team’s momentum and develop the talent that helped secure the section title.
Boys Program Seeks Turnaround
The boys basketball team endured a challenging 5‑22 season last year, exiting the playoffs in the first round. Marks will inherit a squad eager for stability and aims to leverage his Division II experience to instill a winning culture and improve the team’s competitiveness.
Both coaches are slated to begin their duties on November 16, kicking off the winter sports season for Marshall’s basketball programs.