(MSUB media release)
BILLINGS – Fresh off one of the best careers in Montana State University Billings and Great Northwest Athletic Conference history, Alisha Breen has been named the assistant coach for the Yellowjacket women’s basketball team announced by head coach Kevin Woodin on Thursday.
“I am very excited to have Alisha as an assistant coach in our women’s basketball program for the upcoming season,” said Woodin. “I know she will work hard in her transition from player to coach, and I look forward to working with her.”
A first-team All-American in 2017-18, Breen piloted the Yellowjackets to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight after winning the west region title for the second time in program history. Breen, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships after leading her team to the tournament title, helped the squad match the school record for wins as it went 25-12 in her final collegiate campaign.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around every day, and I am lucky enough to have the chance to give back to a program that has had a huge impact on my life,” commented Breen. “I am looking forward to working with the team and sharing my love and knowledge of the game at a different level.”
A native of Choteau, Mont., Breen’s career began with the 2013-14 season and continued for five years until she completed her bachelor’s degree in health and human performance in May. She suffered a season-ending knee injury that cost her the 2016-17 season, during which she remained with the team assisting from the bench during games and at practices.
Breen broke the MSUB and GNAC records for points scored in a single season as a senior in 2017-18, as her 791 were the second-highest total in the entire NCAA. A year after the season-ending injury, Breen led the NCAA in minutes played (1,337), free throws made (226), and free throws attempted (259) – all GNAC single-season records. She was selected as the GNAC and NCAA D2 West Region Player of the Year, and earlier this month was named the GNAC co-Scholar Athlete of the Year after maintaining a 3.67 cumulative grade point average. Breen was also a CoSIDA Academic All-American this season.
Breen is a 2013 graduate of Choteau High School, where she starred for the Bulldogs on the hardwood for four seasons. Breen replaces Jenny Heringer, who was MSUB’s assistant coach for five seasons from 2013-18.
