Sarah Assante is preparing for her second year at the helm of the Lehigh University women's basketball program, a tenure that began with a promising 2025‑26 campaign that ended with a 17‑15 overall record and an 11‑7 mark in Patriot League play.
Building on a Breakout Season
During that season, senior Lily Fandre earned first‑team All‑Patriot League honors, while junior Whitney Lind secured a spot on the third team. Freshman Leia Edwards also made the conference's All‑Rookie team, underscoring the coach's ability to develop talent across the roster.
Assante's impact extends beyond wins and losses. She has overseen player development for guards, integrated analytics, and taken responsibility for academic support and budget management, creating a comprehensive environment for her athletes.
A Coach With a Diverse Background
Her coaching journey started as an assistant at Southern Maine Community College in 2016‑17, followed by a stint at Regis College where she balanced basketball duties with strength and conditioning work. Prior to Lehigh, she spent two seasons at Bryant University, guiding the Bulldogs from a 9‑21 record to a 16‑13 finish and a WNIT berth, and later contributed to Dartmouth College's program.
Assante holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on accounting from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and a master's in organizational and professional communication from Regis College. Her leadership was recognized early, earning the Neile Nelson Leadership Award as a two‑year team captain at Saint Joseph’s.
Looking Ahead
As the Mountain Hawks gear up for the 2026‑27 season, Assante aims to translate her developmental expertise into continued growth, hoping to guide the team deeper into conference play and perhaps beyond. The foundation she has built promises a competitive and academically robust program for the years to come.