Torrance, CA -- This winter, the Bishop Montgomery girls’ basketball program has a very special coach on the roster. Noelle Quinn, who graduated from BMHS in 2003 and enjoyed a decorated basketball career at UCLA before being selected fourth overall in the WNBA draft in 2007, has returned to her alma mater. In addition to assisting in the school’s athletic department, Quinn has also assumed a co-head coaching position for the varsity team. Quinn joins Co-Head Coach Camille Buckley, one of BMHS’ assistant athletic directors, and fellow alumna Tiffany Hicks '10, on the coaching staff.
Quinn, who was originally drafted by the Minnesota Lynx, has played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Washington Mystics, and currently plays for the Seattle Storm. During this year’s off-season, Quinn decided to take advantage of the WNBA’s new program which encourages its athletes to stay in the states, instead of playing overseas, and pursue an internship in a field of interest.
Quinn, who is interested in athletic directing after her playing career ends, immediately thought of Bishop Montgomery and contacted the school to see if an internship would be possible. Principal Rosemary Libbon welcomed Quinn with open arms. “We were thrilled to have Noelle back on campus. She was a wonderfully talented student athlete and is an equally talented coach. She brings 'light' to whatever she does. She is an excellent role model for out student athletes, and our girls are lucky to have such gifted coaches.”
Under the stipulations of the three month internship, Quinn works a 40-hour week in the BMHS athletic department while keeping up with her workouts for the Storm. She also puts in extra hours on the court as the girls’ varsity co-head coach. Reflecting on her college career and her time in the WNBA, Quinn says she has realized how much she enjoys the instructional side of coaching. “I’ve learned that I have a passion for teaching sports, teaching basketball,” says Quinn. “During my time playing basketball, I’ve just been a sponge-- taking in everything that’s been taught to me. I’ve been so fortunate to play with great players and great coaches. It’s kind of instinctive for me to teach what I’ve learned.”
Although her athletic director internship will end in February, Quinn will stay on at Bishop Montgomery and see her team through the end of their season, including playoffs. “We have a lot of talent, a good mix of veteran players and new talent. The chemistry is really good.” Afterwards, she will return to the Storm for her tenth season which begins in May 2017.