Andrew Stephens Selected to Participate in WBCA Next Generation Institute

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced on Tuesday the class of participates for the inaugural WBCA Next Generation Institute (WBCA Announcement). Central Connecticut women's basketball assistant coach Andrew Stephens has been selected as one of 21 coaches from across the county to participate. 

"To be part of the first class in this program is a very high honor," said Coach Stephens. "There were numerous qualified candidates considered, so to be selected out of that group is an incredible blessing.  I would like to thank my head coach, Kerri Reaves, for nominating me to begin with. She does a great job with the program here and has consistently given me chances to grow as a coach. I would also like to thank our athletic director, Tom Pincince, who was very supportive throughout this process.  He has been great for not just me, or women's basketball, but the department as a whole. I know God is at work here, so I am both humbled and excited about this opportunity." 

To be eligible for selection to participate in the program, a person must be a current WBCA member, must have at least five years' experience as a college assistant coach, and must have been nominated by their head coach. Participants will meet prior to (virtually), during (in person) and after (virtually) the 2023 WBCA Convention. The convention takes place March 31–April 2 in Dallas. 

"A college athletics team is a company and the head coach is its CEO," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "A head coach cannot only be a strategist and tactician in the sport. They must also be an inspirational leader, businessperson, communicator, marketer, visionary, and manager of people and resources. The Next Generation Institute will challenge participants to put aside the X's and O's for a while and concentrate on understanding and developing those skills so that they are prepared to take the next step in their careers and become successful CEOs." 

Stephens is in his fifth season with the Blue Devils. He joined the staff as an assistant coach in 2018 after coaching at Southern Virginia University. There, he helped the Knights post their best season since 2011. Before Southern Virginia, Stephens was the Head Women's Basketball Coach at NCAA Division III member Mary Baldwin University.   

"Congratulations to Andrew on being selected to take part in the Next Generation Institue," said Blue Devils head coach Kerri Reaves. "This is an excellent oppurtunity for him to learn the intricacies of being a leader in women's basketball. I look forward to his participations and the benefits it will bring to him, as well as our program, in the future."

Stephens' primary responsibilities are working with the perimeter players, community engagement, and video management. 

CCSU will be back in action this week, facing Merrimack at home on Thursday the 23rd and Sacred Heart on the road on Saturday the 25th.