RSU women’s basketball coach Amy Williams has named Michael Wells as the new assistant basketball coach for the Hillcats.
“I am very excited to have Michael join our staff,” Williams said. “His basketball knowledge, work ethic, leadership ability, experience and organization will be instrumental in the development of our new program.”
Wells’ duties will include aiding in all aspects of the women’s basketball program with specific emphasis on practice and game preparation, on-the-court coaching, developing post players, recruiting quality student-athletes and helping to monitor the academic progress of student-athletes.
“Michael and I have known each other for a long time and have a great understanding of one another,” Williams added. “He is an outstanding person with great values and will be a tremendous mentor for the players in our program.”
Wells joins the Hillcats after serving as the coordinator of athletics for Albuquerque Public Schools in Albuquerque, N.M. Wells previously served as assistant men’s basketball coach at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., from 2003-2006. As the academic coordinator at NJC he graduated 36 of 38 players over a three year span and saw 17 players go on to play Division I basketball. NJC won 80 games in his three seasons on the coaching staff.
Wells began his coaching career at Western Nebraska Community College from 2001-2003. He spent one year as an assistant for the women’s basketball team as well as one season aiding the men’s program. He helped the Cougars to two 29-win seasons and one Region IX Championship. WNCC sent nine players to Division I schools during his tenure.
A native of Spearfish, S.D., Wells received a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Black Hills State University (Spearfish, S.D.), and a Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado.
Wells and his wife Rhea have two daughters, MacKenzie (7) and Kylie (4) and are expecting a son in late August.
The RSU men’s and women’s basketball programs will begin play this fall. The Hillcats will host Oklahoma Wesleyan for the season opener on Nov. 8 at the Claremore Expo Center.