Tuesday, March 21, 2023
by Montana State Billings Athletic Communications

BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State University Billings women’s basketball associate head coach Alisha Breen was announced Monday as one of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) Thirty Under 30 honorees for the 2022-2023 season.

The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program began in 2015-2016, created to recognize up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches aged 30 and under from all levels of the collegiate game.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized alongside the other 29 coaches by the WBCA,” said Breen. “I am so lucky to get to go to work every day and give back to the game and program that has given me so much already in my lifetime. Basketball has helped shape who I am today, and I hope to keep giving back in every way that I can. I’m thankful for the opportunities that MSUB has given me, without those I wouldn’t have received this honor, and for those, I will always be grateful.”

Breen first joined the Yellowjackets as a player, where she played in 130 career games. One of the top players in program history, Breen holds the MSUB and GNAC all-time scoring records with 2,001 career points. She was named the 2018 GNAC Player of the Year and was a consenus First Team Division II All-American with selections by both the WBCA and D2CCA. After her playing career, Breen immediately joined Kevin Woodin’s staff as an assistant coach.

Breen has been a member of MSUB’s coaching staff for the past five seasons, earning the title of associate head coach ahead of the 2021-2022 season. In Breen’s time coaching the Yellowjackets, she has helped lead MSUB to appearances at the GNAC Championships in 2020, 2022 and 2023. The team qualified for the NCAA West Regional this past season, where the ‘Jackets advanced to the semifinals.

“Congratulations to Alisha for being honored as a WBCA Thirty under 30 award winner,” said Woodin. “There are literally hundreds of women’s basketball coaches eligible for this prestigious award throughout all divisions, and to be one of the 30 honored is quite an accomplishment. Alisha is an awesome coach who continues to improve every year. She is involved in all facets of our program and has played a huge role in our team’s success both on and off the court this season.”