Megan Duffy named head coach of Miami University women's basketball

By university athletics, MiamiRedHawks.com

Megan Duffy was named head coach of Miami University's women’s basketball program Monday, April 3, by David Sayler, director of athletics.

Duffy, a native of Dayton, Ohio, spent the previous three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan and becomes the RedHawks’ ninth head coach in program history.

Duffy will be introduced at a press conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Gross Center. The public is invited to this free event.

“I am incredibly excited and humbled to become the next Miami women's basketball coach,” said Duffy. "It is evident through the passion and leadership of President Crawford and Director of Athletics David Sayler, that Miami is set up for success. I cannot thank them enough for the opportunity to join the rich academic and athletic tradition at Miami University.”

The Wolverines have remained a postseason mainstay in Duffy’s three seasons as an assistant coach, winning at least 20 games and advancing to the WNIT Final Four each year. That stretch includes a school-record 28 victories and a WNIT title in 2016-2017. Under Duffy’s tutelage, Michigan cracked the national top 25 rankings for the first time in four years this season, moving as high as 20th in the polls. The Wolverines were a potent offensive bunch during the past three campaigns, finishing 11th in the country in scoring with a program-record 78.6 points per game in 2015-2016. The 2015-2016 squad also finished sixth nationally in field goal percentage (47.8 percent) and fifth in three-point percentage (39.8 percent). In 2016-2017 Michigan finished 18th nationally with 76.9 points per game, ninth in three-point percentage (38.1 percent) and 13th in field goal percentage (46.1 percent).

Duffy worked with the Wolverines’ point guards and wing players during her time in Ann Arbor and also worked closely with the strength and conditioning staff to implement team conditioning, strength and nutrition regiments. A diligent recruiter, Duffy assisted in sealing recruiting classes that ranked fifth (2015) and 12th (2016) nationally for the Maize and Blue. She recruited and coached eight All-Big Ten selections and two All-Freshman Team picks, including 2014-2015 Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year Katelynn Flaherty, who netted 1,992 points (second in school history) in three years with Duffy.

“After an extensive search, on behalf of President Crawford, I am pleased to announce Megan Duffy as our women’s basketball coach,” said Sayler. “Megan’s experiences as a player and coach will bring a valuable perspective to Miami women’s basketball. As a former All-American point guard and WNBA player, she understands the drive and passion needed to win championships. As a coach, she understands how to recruit, develop players and will serve as a great role model for our student-athletes. Most importantly, she understands how to win and achieve excellence at esteemed academic institutions.”

Duffy spent two years (2012-2014) as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at George Washington, helping the Colonials to a 23-11 record and second-place finish in the Atlantic 10 in 2013-2014. It was the highest win total for GW since 2008 and the Colonials advanced to the third round of the WNIT for the first time since that same season. She helped guards Danni Jackson (third team) and Chakecia Miller (all-defensive team) to A-10 postseason honors following the 2013-2014 season.

Her responsibilities at George Washington included recruiting, on-floor coaching, player development, scouting and monitoring student-athletes' academic performance. As recruiting coordinator, Duffy brought in 10 players during her tenure at GW to help the Colonials to a second-place conference finish after just two years.

Prior to joining the Colonials, Duffy spent three seasons (2009-2012) as an assistant coach at St. John's. The Red Storm went 71-28 during Duffy's tenure at SJU, making the NCAA Tournament in all three seasons and reaching the 2012 Sweet 16. In her final season at St. John's, the Red Storm advanced to its first-ever Sweet 16 as a No. 3 seed, the highest NCAA seed in program history. SJU finished the season ranked at No. 15 in both major polls.

She spent her final season at St. John's (2011-2012) as the recruiting coordinator, in addition to her duties of working with the guards, game planning, scouting and scheduling.

Duffy joined the college coaching ranks after a successful collegiate playing career, spending time with USA Basketball and a professional career both in the U.S. and overseas.

Duffy was a four-year letter winner at Notre Dame (2002-2006), helping the Irish to four-straight NCAA appearances and two Sweet 16 berths. She is one of four players in school history to total at least 1,000 points, 500 assists and 200 steals. She was an Associated Press and Kodak All-America honorable mention in 2005 and 2006, while being a finalist for both the John Wooden Award and Nancy Lieberman Award in her final season. In 2006, she won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, which is given to the nation's top point guard under 5-8. Duffy was also a two-time All-Big East first team selection (2005-2006), the 2006 Big East /Aeropostale Scholar Athlete of the Year and a 2006 CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American (first team).

She also helped Team USA to the gold medal at the 2005 World University Games. After her career at Notre Dame, she was the 31st pick in the 2006 WNBA draft and played three seasons with the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty. Duffy also played overseas with teams in Romania, Slovakia, Italy and Wales.

Duffy graduated from Notre Dame in 2006 with a double degree in psychology and computer applications.