Thursday, March 15, 2018
by Alaska Anchorage Athletic Communications

ATLANTA – University of Alaska Anchorage assistant coach Alysha Devine was honored Thursday (Mar. 15) as a member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s third annual Thirty Under 30 list, recognizing her as one of the top up-and-coming coaches at all levels of college basketball.

One of just eight NCAA Division II coaches to earn the prestigious honor this year, Devine joined head coach Ryan McCarthy’s staff in 2017-18 after four seasons as a player for the Seawolves. After losing four starters – including herself – from last year’s 30-2 club, Devine helped guide UAA to a 27-5 record and a share of the Seawolves’ fourth consecutive Great Northwest Athletic Conference regular-season title.

A former Alaska prep star at Wasilla High School, she was instrumental in the continued development of UAA’s post players, including First Team All-GNAC center Hannah Wandersee and second-team all-league forward Shelby Cloninger.

“Alysha made an extraordinarily positive impact on our new student-athletes, helping us maintain the high level of success that our fans have become accustomed to,” said McCarthy, who earned his second straight GNAC Coach of the Year award. “Her focus and professionalism are well beyond her years, and she continues to hone the leadership skills that made her such a valuable player, and now coach.”

Afoa gives the Seawolves a Thirty Under 30 honoree for the third consecutive season, joining associate head coach Shaina Afoa in 2017 and former assistant coach Alysa Horn, who made the inaugural list in 2016.