Thursday, September 19, 2024
By Tori Wittenbrock
Associate Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – Green Bay Phoenix Athletics has recently named a series of new members to various coaching staffs across the athletic department.
Green Bay Phoenix Swimming and Diving Head Coach Alex Lewis recently announced the hiring of Grace Morgan as the new assistant coach of the program.
A recent graduate of the swim team at UW-Green Bay, Morgan will bring her experience and expertise to the table after being named a team captain and a varsity letter holder.
“Nobody understands our culture in a more genuine, unselfish way than Grace Morgan. She will bring a hunger to learn, positive energy, and her familiarity with the program will make this a smooth transition for her and the team!” said Lewis.
Phoenix men’s basketball head coach Doug Gottlieb has recently named Aerick Sanders to his coaching staff.
Sanders will join the Phoenix with previous NCAA DI assistant coaching experience at Montana State, New Mexico State and most recently Kansas City in the Summit League.
“I’ve known Aerick since he was 14 years old and he has always been one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve come into contact with,” said Gottlieb. “He is outstanding as a tactician and recruiter, and he is similarly an incredible coach.”
Head Coach of the Green Bay women’s basketball program, Kayla Karius has recently announced the hiring of Green Bay native Allie Alexander as an assistant coach of the program.
Alexander attended Notre Dame Academy and is a former Phoenix that played at UW-Green Bay from 2014-18.
Alexander brings more to the table than just her experience as a player at UW-Green Bay, as she has extensive coaching experience from the time of her retirement as a player.
Alexander has international coaching experience from 2018-19 in Ireland before returning to the US and becoming an assistant coach at St. Norbert College from 2020-21 and then at Eastern Illinois.
“Allie is a tremendous example for young players of what it looks like to stay local, showcase your great talent, and have the community rally around your success,” said Karius.
Karius also named Kate Peterson Abiad as an assistant coach of the program.
Peterson Abiad has previous playing experience at UW-Stevens Point from 1987-91 where she broke the NCAA DIII record for three-point field goals per game averaging 3.85 per game.
She will be entering the league with prior knowledge and experience in the Horizon League as the head coach of Cleveland State from 2003-18.
“Kate is a dynamic recruiter and successful former Horizon League head coach of 15 years,” said Karius.
In addition to introducing the new members of the Phoenix coaching staff, Green Bay Athletics also announced that Karius intends to retain Sarah Bronk as the assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
Bronk has been with the Phoenix for the past 17 seasons, since 2007 and will remain an instrumental part of the team’s future success.
Over her years with the Phoenix program, Bronk has seen the team claim 12 Horizon League championships and 10 NCAA Tournaments.
Bronk was also an assistant coach to the team when Karius was a player at UW-Green Bay, then as Kayla Tetschlag from 2010-11.
“(Bronk) has great knowledge of our program, great recruiting connections in the state, and a character and personality that really connects with our players,” said Karius.
