Courtesy of Brian Beard

Kate McCann, the assistant women’s basketball coach, joined the women’s basketball team this past June. McCann is excited to begin coaching and bring her enthusiasm and emphasis on preparation to the team.

Before coming to Bowdoin, McCann earned a master’s degree in athletic leadership from Springfield College. During her time at Springfield, McCann also coached women’s basketball for two years, leading the team to 37 overall wins and an appearance at the 2024 NCAA DIII tournament.

Tim Ryan, executive director of athletics, expressed that McCann’s experience at Springfield will be an invaluable contribution to the team.

“[McCann] brings a fresh perspective and determined work ethic to our women’s basketball coaching staff and is well positioned to help our athletes reach their full potential on and off the court,” Ryan wrote in an email to the Orient.

McCann was driven to coach the Polar Bears because of Bowdoin’s location in Maine and strong academic reputation.

“I’ve always loved the state of Maine, and Bowdoin’s women’s basketball program has a long tradition of success,” McCann said. “Bowdoin is one of the top academic institutions across the nation, and being surrounded by driven, intrinsically motivated people is something that truly drew me [to the College].”

One of the values McCann hopes to bring to the team is preparation.

“I take a lot of pride in my preparation and being prepared for as many moments as I can be,” McCann said. “I’m excited to bring that to the team and help out in any way I can.”

McCann expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for working with the students and staff involved with the women’s basketball team.

“I’m excited to be able to interact with such great people at the highest level of women’s basketball,” McCann said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of that and work with all the student athletes on campus. I am [also] so grateful for the opportunity to learn from [Head Coach Megan Phelps ’15]. It’s just been an amazing experience so far.”

Ryan noted that he has seen how McCann has already built strong relationships among both the players and the wider athletic community at the College.

“It has been exciting for me to observe [McCann] establish meaningful connections within our women’s basketball team and athletic department community. It is clear she cares deeply for the students she works with, and she also values being an engaged member of the Bowdoin community,” Ryan wrote.

Looking ahead, the women’s basketball team’s first game is on November 14 against Gordon College. With her enthusiasm, appreciation for the team’s traditions and dedication to preparation, McCann is ready to contribute to the team’s continued success this season and beyond.