5 Questions With Coach Colleen Mullen
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 18, 2025) — UAlbany women's basketball head coach Colleen Mullen has led the Great Danes since the start of the 2018 season. She's guided them to an America East title and berth the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament in 2022, as well as trips to the WNIT in 2023 and 2024.
Beginning her career as director of women’s basketball operations at Northern Illinois in 2004, Mullen went on to serve as associate head coach at Army after stops at Long Island University and Lehigh. She played collegiately at both Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
At UAlbany, Coach Mullen has helped develop multiple All-America East selections, All-Academic honorees and other accolades.
This year, Coach Mullen was named America East coach of the year after leading the Great Danes to the regular season title, while star player Kayla Cooper was selected as player of the year. The team advanced to the America East title game before falling to rival Vermont, but has earned a trip to the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).
We caught up with Coach Mullen as she prepares the team for a showdown against St. Joseph’s in the WBIT tonight at 7 p.m., which is available to stream on ESPN+.
How did you become involved in the sport of basketball?
I first became involved with basketball in the first grade when my older brother started to play. I always wanted to join in on any sport my brother Dan was participating in.
In high school and college, I played the point guard position and took a lot of pride in being the team’s floor leader and an extension of my coach on the floor. As a collegiate student-athlete, I was fortunate to learn from some terrific coaches and dynamic leaders. I truly understood the lasting impact a coach can have on a player, and this fueled my passion to want to coach, mentor and develop future generations.
How has your experience at UAlbany impacted your growth as a coach?
I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to have led the program over the last seven years.
President, Havidán Rodríguez and Athletic Director Mark Benson are impressive leaders who have created a unique culture on campus and within the athletic department. In athletics, our coaches and administrators support each other. Their support and trust have allowed me to grow as a young coach. I’ve watched our fan base and support in the Capital Region increase significantly over the last few years.
It’s been exciting to watch the interest and media attention expand during my tenure. I’ve also been fortunate to coach extremely impressive young women and work alongside some of the most dedicated and committed assistant coaches in the profession.
UAlbany might have fallen short in the America East title game but it has advanced to the postseason WBIT. What makes this team so special for you?
The players have worked extremely hard to earn a regular-season championship and receive an automatic bid in the WBIT. The team shares a common vision and are committed to the values of our team’s culture.
Over the last 8 months, I’ve watched them create meaningful connections and build friendships that will last for life. They are an unselfish, hardworking, and talented group who play tough and together at every practice and against every opponent.
Most importantly, however, they are all high character young women who love the game. We have fun and are grateful to have the opportunity to keep playing in March!
In addition to March Madness, March also marks Women’s History Month. If you had to select a “Mount Rushmore” of women in history that helped to shape your life and career, who would they be and why?
There are so many impactful women that have shaped my life. I think the first person that comes to mind is my mother, Donna. She has shown me what hard work and dedication looks like after a 50-year career as a pediatric nurse. She treats people the right way and has always been a tremendous example to my brother and me.
In basketball, the two women that have impacted me are Tara Vanderveer (Stanford) and Pat Summitt (Tennessee). Both women have left a legacy in women’s basketball as strong successful coaches, embodying the best of what it means to be a leader. Most impressively was their ability to mentor, develop and lead the thousands of young women they coached.
To hear former players talk about the impact these coaches have had on their life is remarkable. To me, that is what coaching is and that is what I aspire to do.
What message would you provide to girls and women thinking of following in your footsteps in sports leadership?
My message would be to find your passion by being curious and taking risks out of your comfort zone. Once you find your passion, do it with enthusiasm and conviction.
Never underestimate the skill of hard work and consistency — it takes grit and time to get to where you want to go. Be proactive in your pursuit of greatness, ask lots of questions, and be a sponge. Surround yourself with high character people and be team player, who’s always willing to raise their hand and help.
Lastly, understand that failure is an essential part of growth, mistakes are learning opportunities so never give up.