EMMITSBURG, Md. (July 8, 2025) – Women's basketball head coach Antoine White adds Maria McConnell to his 2025-26 coaching staff as a graduate assistant. 
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Maria McConnell to our basketball staff." White said. "Her passion for the game, dedication to player development, and strong leadership qualities make her an incredible addition to our program. We look forward to the positive impact she'll have both on and off the court."
 
McConnell completed her playing career last season at Mercyhurst University. Over two seasons with the Lakers she competed in 40 contests. Before her tenure in Erie, she competed for Saint Francis in Loretto, playing in 50 games for the Red Flash. She graduated with a management degree this past May and began to hone her coaching skills as a volunteer for the WPA Bruins – an AAU team out of Pittsburgh.
 
Raised in an eminent basketball family in Western Pennsylvania, Maria's mother Jill played for Canisius and her father Tommy played at Juniata. Her family runs McConnell Hoops in Ebensburg, training hundreds of players across a variety of age groups. She is cousins with both T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers and Megan McConnell of the Phoenix Mercury. Another cousin, Luke, was appointed head coach of Saint Francis U this past spring, and two aunts - Kathy and Susie - served as head coaches for various teams. 
 
McConnell is an addition to the staff of Kelsey Funderburgh, Danielle Durjan, Riley Maye, and Imani Atkinson – all returners from last year. The Mountaineers went 15-16 in 2024-25 with a 12-8 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record and a tournament semifinal appearance.