Maureen Magairity (Marist ’03) enters her second year as head coach of the University of New Hampshire women’s basketball team. Magarity became the sixth head coach in the 36-year history of the program in May 2010 and the youngest coach of a Division I team – men’s or women’s – in the country.

In her first season at the helm, Magarity led the Wildcats to a 9-20 overall record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the America East Tournament. Under Magarity’s direction, the Wildcats doubled their conference wins from the year before and also picked up a thrilling 88-74 win over A-10 rival Rhode Island, the first triple-overtime victory in program history.

Magarity came to UNH after a four-year stint at the United States Military Academy, where she served as the associate head coach from 2009-10. In Magarity’s four years at West Point, the Black Knights compiled an overall record of 72-48, including a program-best 24-win campaign during the 2006-07 season. In her first three years on the job, Army averaged 20 wins a season, the best three-year span in program history.

Magarity started at West Point in 2006-07 as an assistant coach and was elevated to the title of associate head coach in August of 2009. Tagged as the team's recruiting coordinator, Magarity assisted in all aspects of the program, including the organization of official, unofficial, home and school visits with prospects. She also assisted with the coordination of practice, budget management, scouting opponents and monitoring academics.

However, her main focus was player development for both the wing and post players. In her time on the bench, she has coached two players to All-Patriot League honors and helped one student-athlete earn the program's first Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year award this past season.

In addition to her tenure at Army, Magarity's collegiate coaching experience includes stints as an assistant coach at Fairfield University (2005-06) and Marist College (2004-05).

Prior to a one-year stint at Fairfield University, Magarity served as an assistant coach at Marist College, helping lead the Red Foxes to a program-best 22-7 record, on their way to winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season championship.

Magarity earned a B.A. in Communications and Public Relations with a minor in Psychology from Marist College in 2003. In addition, she also earned an M.P.A. in Public Administration while at Marist in 2005. As a player, Magarity served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons, helping the Red Foxes to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004. She garnered two All-MAAC Second Team selections, and was a 2004 MAAC All-Tournament Team choice. Magarity earned two MAAC Scholar-Athlete awards (2002, 2004) and received the James Pizzani Award for dedication and loyalty as a senior.

Before transferring to Marist, she played one season at Boston College. While at BC, the Eagles reached the semifinals of the preseason WNIT, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2000.

Magarity married her husband Brendan Copes in the summer of 2009. Magarity currently resides in Dover, N.H.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MAUREEN MAGARITY

Marty Scarano, UNH Athletic Director
“Maureen is an energetic, bright, positive and well-prepared individual, who has a great vision for UNH Women's basketball. More importantly, she wants to build this program with integrity and commitment both on and off the court. Maureen will be a great asset to the sport of women's basketball and UNH in particular and we are excited about her joining us and getting started.”

Brian Giorgis, Marist Women's Basketball Head Coach
“I think it is a tremendous hire for New Hampshire. Maureen is a person of great integrity and has great knowledge of the game. She is the right person for [UNH] to get its program back on track.”

Jamie Dixon, Pittsburgh Men's Basketball Head Coach
“Maureen is a person I've known for a long time. She brings great passion and enthusiasm to everything she does. I know she will give the University of New Hampshire a great coach and a great representation of the University in every way. They not only hired a great coach, but a great person, who will be a friend to all her players.”

Dave Magarity, Army Women's Basketball Head Coach
“It is always thrilling when one of your assistants becomes a head coach. As a parent, it is an incredibly proud moment to see your daughter named as the head women's basketball coach of the University of New Hampshire. Maureen has always been a tireless worker and relentless recruiter. Her personal and professional background has prepared her for this great opportunity. Her dedication, loyalty, and leadership skills will be a tremendous asset to the University and the community.”