RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Head coach
Heather Vulin has announced additions and responsibility changes to her coaching staff for the 2022-23 campaign.
"We're very excited to announce our staff changes and additions for this upcoming season," said Vulin. "I believe this is one of the most exciting times in our program's history, and I am very blessed to have such an experienced, dynamic, and talented staff going into this season."
Joining the staff are
Samera Marsh as an assistant coach and
Raven James as the director of basketball operations.
Callan Stores has been promoted to defensive coordinator and international recruiting coordinator.
Rena Wakama has been promoted to the recruiting coordinator for the United States.
"I want to congratulate Callan and Rena on their promotions, and I am incredibly excited to have Jasper Nation welcome
Samera Marsh and
Raven James to our program," added Vulin. "Callan truly makes an impact on every facet of our program. Her work ethic, basketball IQ, and talent have been an integral part of elevating our program since we took over six years ago. We are excited to have Rena put her spin and organization on our recruiting efforts to continue to elevate our program in the MAAC and at a national level. Rena's tenacity, professionalism, and recruiting ties will continue to impact our program's success significantly."
Stores and Wakama started their tenues at Manhattan as graduate assistants and have trusted the process to have reached their current positions. Stores has been with Vulin for the last six seasons, and Wakama has been with the Jaspers for the previous five.
Marsh spent last season as Wagner's lead assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. The Seahawks made the semifinals of the Northeast Conference Tournament and finished the season with 17 wins. Over the last 14 seasons, Marsh has made stops at Delaware State, LIU, Manhattan, Monroe College, and St. Peter's. Marsh spent the 2015-16 season on staff here at Manhattan. The Bronx native has coached nine Division I all-conference players and four conference players of the year.
"Excited is an understatement for how I feel about being back in The Bronx!" said Marsh. "I am deeply grateful to Coach Vulin for this opportunity to rejoin the Jaspers. I've grown as a coach and leader since I last worked at Manhattan, so my current focus is to positively contribute to all areas Coach Vulin asks me. There is so much knowledge, experience, and talent within this program that the sky is the limit. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish as a team."
Vulin added on Marsh, "Samera brings a wealth of experience, incredible NYC ties, and mentorship to our players. Samera will also oversee the development of our point guards and will lead our junior college recruiting efforts. I have always been impressed with Samera's professionalism and commitment to student-athletes. I'm excited to work with her.
James arrives in Riverdale after spending this past season as a graduate assistant at James Madison in Harrisonburg, Va. While with the Dukes last season, she assisted in scouting, player development, and recruiting and handled the program's social media efforts. The Upper Marlboro, Md. Native played collegiately at Villanova, where she appeared in 107 games and made 53 starts.
James said, "I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with a group of wonderful, strong women. The mindset and leadership that coach Vulin has built in this special group are truly inspiring. I am excited to support and contribute to the program's ongoing success! Let's playGREEN!"
"Raven was a player I had recruited while I was at Villanova. I have always respected her energy, experience, and talent," continued Vulin. "I believe Raven will be a tremendous addition in helping our program run at a championship level. Also, as an accomplished student-athlete, she will be an authentic mentor for our players."
Manhattan is coming off a 21-11 season in 2021-22. The Jaspers made the MAAC Title Game for the first time since 2003 after finishing 14-6 in league play.
