FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Former Montana Western basketball standout Alecia Wilson has been named the head women’s basketball coach at Pacific University. School officials announced the news this week.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to be the new head coach at Pacific University. I am passionate about guiding student-athletes to success, in all areas of their life,” Wilson said in a release. “My two passions in life are basketball and helping people grow – I see that opportunity to fulfill that at Pacific University.”
Wilson was a four-year starter and three-year captain at Montana Western, leading the Frontier Conference in assists her junior season. Wilson set new Bulldogs’ single-season and career records in assists, while playing all five positions during her career.
The Helena Capital grad also planted her name in the Bruins’ record books, dishing 352 career assists, including 155 in 2007-2008. She also set program bests with 13 assists in a single game, and is among the program’s best defenders, ranking fourth with seven steals in a single game.
During Wilson’s high school career, the Bruins qualified for the state tournament three straight years, finishing runner-up to Bozeman in 2007. Wilson’s high school coach, Bill Pilgeram, described her as the best passer in the state.
Wilson’s on-court abilities earned her early opportunities in the coaching world, when she moved from Dillon back to Helena as an assistant at Carroll College during the 2013-2014 season. She has spent the past four seasons as an assistant women’s coach at Whitworth University, helping the Pirates reach the Northwest Conference Tournament semifinals twice.
During her tenure at Whitworth, Wilson became heavily involved in recruiting, strength and conditioning, film and scouting, as well as managing the Pirates’ offense.
“I truly enjoyed my last four years at Whitworth and developed a passion for the Division III culture,” said Wilson. “I appreciate the guidance that I received and feel truly blessed for that opportunity. I am extremely grateful for the relationships I built and those have inspired my love for coaching. My experiences working at Whitworth make me confident and excited to lead the Pacific Boxers.”
Wilson will complete her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Whitworth this spring.
