ATLANTA, Ga. – Former University of South Carolina Aiken women's basketball standout Katelyn Grisillo was recently named a WBCA Thirty Under 30 honoree presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's newly renamed loyalty program, and Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment honorees for the 2018-19 season.
Grisillo, a native of Charleston, S.C., transferred to USC Aiken prior to her junior year. She played in 45 games, earning 22 starts as a Pacer. She dished out nearly two assists a game while draining 81.3 percent of her free throws.
Upon earning her degree in communication, Grisillo accepted a Graduate Assistant position at Wingate. After two years in that role, Grisillo became the No. 1 assistant with the Bulldogs. This season, she guided the team to a 20-7 overall ledger. In her three years with Wingate, the squad is 72-19 overall, including a 50-12 effort in league play.
"I'm very thankful for the nomination and recognition with this award, and I realize that I wouldn't be in the position I am without all those I crossed paths with before," Grisillo said. "I had the opportunity to play for and learn from some of the best people in my playing career at both Presbyterian College and USC Aiken. The impact my own coaches made on me is what ultimately drove me to this profession and I just hope to pay that forward with every opportunity I have now.
"The professors I had in the communication program and local Aiken fans play a big part in my premium I place on relationships that I try to implement into coaching," Grisillo stated. "They actively supported me during my playing career and have even come to Wingate games to see me coach. Those are the kind of people I hope to emulate with the position I am in to influence young people."
The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women's basketball coaches age 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.
"The WBCA is pleased to recognize up and coming talent in our coaching family. The 30 coaches who have been named to receive the Thirty Under 30 Award are deserving of this recognition, and the WBCA congratulates them for distinguishing themselves early in their careers," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "These coaches have demonstrated eagerness, effectiveness, loyalty, love of the game, and a commitment to the student-athlete. 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."
"Marriott is committed to supporting the career growth of women and we are extremely proud to celebrate 30 amazing female coaches who are strong representatives for the sport and their communities," said Kieran Donahue, vice president, brand, marketing and digital, Marriott International, Americas. "In our third year as the Official Hotel Partner of NCAA, we are thrilled to support the accomplishments of these extraordinary women."
"We are proud to be a part of this year's WBCA Thirty Under 30 and recognize the future leaders and superstar coaches in women's basketball," said Sandra Richards, managing director of Morgan Stanley and head of global sports & entertainment and segment sales & engagement.
Complete List of the 2019 WBCA Thirty Under 30 honorees
