A fresh leadership vision
Rutgers University–Newark has named Alyssa Parsons as the new head coach of its women’s basketball team, entrusting her with the task of building on the program’s recent momentum and expanding its reach within the university community.
Parsons arrives after a series of coaching stops that include a stint as an assistant at Rider University, a year at Stevens Institute of Technology where the team earned an NCAA Tournament berth, and a previous role at Albright College where she guided the Lions to a 10‑15 record and a win over Messiah University.
Her coaching philosophy centers on ‘coaching to the heart,’ a commitment to relationships, accountability, and the holistic development of student‑athletes both on the court and in their academic and professional futures.
Parsons emphasizes preparing players to become confident leaders and resilient professionals, aiming to inspire belief among current athletes, alumni, and the broader university audience.
A supportive coaching staff
The new staff includes Samantha Lapszynski, who brings Division I and professional playing experience; Kaijhe Hall, with a background in Division II and AAU competition; Michael Famosa, focused on recruiting and player development; and Elissa Nsenkyire, an alumna of Stevens and the New Jersey Panthers.
Together they form a diverse group that blends top‑level playing experience with deep ties to the regional basketball ecosystem.
Megan Haughey, Rutgers–Newark’s Director of Athletics, praised Parsons’ approach, highlighting her emphasis on student‑athlete development and the program’s potential for lasting impact.
Parsons also plans to strengthen connections with Scarlet Raiders alumni, leveraging those relationships to sustain program legacy and foster continued growth.
Mentors and personal inspiration
Reflecting on her journey, Parsons credits her Aunt Kate, former Rider head coach Lynn Milligan, and Jada Pierce for shaping her career path and reinforcing the importance of mentorship in coaching.