Trailblazing Coach Bixby Ascends to the Pinnacle of Women's Basketball

Katherine Bixby, a former Ithaca College basketball standout, has continued to make waves in the world of women's college basketball. After a successful playing career and coaching stints at various levels, Bixby has now taken on a prestigious assistant coaching role at the University of North Carolina, further cementing her status as a rising star in the coaching ranks.

Empowering Young Women, One Dribble at a Time

From All-American to Coaching Prodigy

Bixby's journey from student-athlete to coaching phenom began at Ithaca College, where she excelled on the court. As a senior, she led the Bombers to the NCAA tournament and earned an All-American honorable mention, becoming only the second player in program history to achieve this feat. Her prowess on the court was matched by her passion for the game, which she would later channel into a successful coaching career.

Honing Her Craft: From Assistant to Head Coach

After completing her playing days, Bixby remained at Ithaca College, working as an assistant coach under the tutelage of Dan Raymond. It was during this time that Raymond recognized Bixby's coaching potential, entrusting her with significant responsibilities, including game-planning and end-of-game situations. This experience laid the foundation for Bixby's future success as a head coach.

Transforming Programs, One Winning Season at a Time

Bixby's coaching career took off when she accepted a head coaching position at Dickinson College. There, she turned the program around, guiding the team from a 5-19 record to an impressive 18-8 mark in her final season. This success caught the attention of Johns Hopkins University, where Bixby continued to excel, leading the Blue Jays to three 20-win seasons in her five-year tenure, including a Centennial Conference Coach of the Year award.

Ascending to the Division I Level

Bixby's impressive track record as a head coach at the Division III level paved the way for her next challenge: the Division I ranks. In 2023, she joined the coaching staff at Loyola University Maryland, where she helped turn the program around, guiding the team from a 10-21 record to a 16-15 mark in her first season. This success earned her and her fellow coaches the 2024 Patriot League Staff of the Year award.

Joining the Tar Heels: A New Chapter Begins

Bixby's latest move has taken her to the University of North Carolina, where she has accepted an assistant coaching position under the tutelage of Courtney Banghart. Banghart, who had previously worked with Bixby during her time at Ithaca College, was immediately impressed by Bixby's basketball IQ, her ability to connect with players, and her passion for empowering young women. Banghart believes Bixby's experience as a head coach will be a valuable asset to the Tar Heels' program.As Bixby embarks on this new chapter, her focus remains on building relationships, fostering a positive team culture, and continuing to make a lasting impact on the lives of the student-athletes she coaches. With her proven track record of success and her unwavering commitment to the game, Bixby is poised to leave an indelible mark on the University of North Carolina's women's basketball program and beyond.