Atlanta, GA – Vassar College First Year Head Coach
Meredith Mesaris has been recognized as a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Thirty Under 30 honoree. Mesaris led the Brewers to the Liberty League title and back to the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24.
"I am incredibly grateful and honored to be recognized by the WBCA and to have been selected to be part of this incredible group of individuals. I would not be where I am today without amazing mentors and student-athletes I have had the opportunity to work with over the years," said Mesaris.
Mesairs led the Brewers to a 25-3 overall record this past season as the Brewers won their first Liberty League crown since 2014 and appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 on her way to being the head coach of the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year. Vassar won 21 straight contests from November 17 through February 10 and appeared in the WBCA top-25 on January 30 for the first time since 2013. The Brewers rose to as high as #20 on February 13 and appeared in five of the final six rankings.
"Congratulations to these 31 coaches who have distinguished themselves so early in their careers," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "The WBCA is pleased to recognize this up-and-coming talent in our coaching family. We celebrate their effort on the basketball court as teachers and equally applaud the extensive role they play in impacting the lives of their student-athletes."
Mesaris mentored three First Team All-Liberty League performers in 2023-24 in
Tova Gelb (Sharon, MA),
Julia Harvey (Delmar, NY) and
Sierra McDermed (San Antonio, TX). The trio each earned All-Region accolades from D3Hoops.com and Gelb was tabbed the Liberty League Championship Most Outstanding Player.
In addition to the accomplishments on the court, Mesaris saw Gelb, Harvey, McDermed and
Caroline Siekman (Islesboro, ME) earn College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Honors for their work in the classroom.
Vassar posted at least 20 wins in a season for the first time since 2018-19 and finished with the most wins in a season on record.
About The WBCA Thirty Under 30: The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women's basketball coaches aged 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree has exemplified their involvement in community service, mentorship and impact on others, professional manner, and attitude and professional association involvement. A total of 31 coaches received the honor this year due to a tie in the selection process.
