In a significant development for the University at Buffalo’s women’s basketball program, Kristen Sharkey has been officially announced as the new senior head coach. The announcement, made on August 20, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Bulls, with Sharkey stepping into the role following her appointment as the 14th head coach in the program’s history earlier this year on April 18, 2025.
Sharkey, a UB alumna and former standout player, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the university. A native of Manahawkin, NJ, Sharkey played for the Bulls from 2010 to 2015, starting 85 consecutive games and leading the team to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in over 15 years. As a two-time All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) selection, she averaged 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in her senior year, ranking 13th on UB’s all-time scoring list with 1,264 career points.
After her playing career, Sharkey transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at UB for seven seasons under Felisha Legette-Jack. During this tenure, the Bulls became a perennial contender in the MAC, securing four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a historic Sweet Sixteen run in 2018. Sharkey’s recruiting prowess was evident in her role in bringing in talents like Dyaisha Fair, who was drafted 16th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 and became the third all-time leading scorer in NCAA history.
Most recently, Sharkey served as associate head coach at Syracuse University for three seasons, contributing to back-to-back postseason appearances, including a second-round NCAA Tournament berth in 2024. Her return to UB as head coach in April 2025 was met with enthusiasm, with UB Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt praising her as “a relentless recruiter, relationship builder, and incredible mentor.”
The designation of “senior head coach” reflects Sharkey’s expanded role in leading the program, which is navigating a transitional period after a successful 2024-25 season under former coach Becky Burke. The Bulls achieved a program-record 30 wins and a Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) championship but lost five seniors and saw several players enter the transfer portal. Despite these challenges, Sharkey has already made strides in rebuilding the roster, with the notable return of Aniya Rowe, who re-joined the team for the 2025-26 season.
Sharkey’s coaching staff additions, announced on April 19, 2025, include Allison Spaschak, a skilled videographer and former assistant coach at the University of Rochester, and Damon Jones, a player development coach with a strong background from Mercyhurst University. Additionally, former UB standout Summer Hemphill has joined the staff, further strengthening the team’s ties to its successful past.
At her introductory press conference in April, Sharkey outlined her vision for the program, emphasizing a culture of excellence, accountability, and empowerment. “This program, it was built on heart, and it’s going to be fueled by purpose,” she said. “Buffalo, it’s not just where I played or where I worked. It’s where I belong.”
With her official designation as senior head coach, Sharkey is poised to lead the Bulls into the 2025-26 season with a focus on sustaining UB’s winning tradition while fostering the personal and athletic growth of her players. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Sharkey’s leadership will shape the future of UB women’s basketball.
