Elise Clyburn was named Interim Head Women’s Basketball Coach at UVa-Wise on June 23 after serving one year as the top assistant for the program. As an assistant, she was part of a 21-win season, the most victories for the school since joining NCAA Division II.
“We appreciate the leadership that Coach Kunzman provided the women’s program and the foundation for continuing success,” stated Director of Athletics Kendall Rainey after announcing Clyburn’s promotion. “Coach Clyburn is committed to the values and culture of UVa-Wise and has demonstrated a passion for NCAA Division II. We are excited for her to lead the Cavaliers into the upcoming season.”
“Coach Kunzman established a strong culture within our program and I fully intend to build upon that,” remarked Clyburn. “I’m overly excited to serve as interim Head Coach at UVa-Wise. I would like to thank Chancellor Donna P. Henry, Director of Athletics Kendall Rainey and former Head Coach Kristin Kunzman for giving me the opportunity to join the Cavalier Family.”
Clyburn played collegiately at Saint Leo University (Fla.) where she was a four-year letter winner. A two-time team captain, she was named the team’s most valuable player after aiding the Lions to the most conference wins in school history as a senior.
Prior to coming to UVa-Wise, Clyburn served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mobile in Mobile, Ala. as well as an assistant at Shorter University in Rome, Ga.
This year, she participated in the Moving Up 2017 professional development program hosted at Duke University. Active in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, Clyburn was a WBCA Roundtable Presenter during the association’s convention in 2015. In 2013, she was one of 50 coaches selected to participate in the “WBCA So You Want to be a Coach Program.”
Clyburn obtained a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Saint Leo University before adding a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Shorter University.
