Colgate University has named Shannon Bush as its new head women’s basketball coach, Vice President and Director of Athletics Yariv Amir ’01 announced Monday afternoon. A veteran with nearly 20 years of Division I coaching experience, Bush brings a proven track record of success to the Raiders.
Bush, a former two-time Patriot League champion as a player at Holy Cross, joins Colgate after serving as associate head coach at Cornell during the 2023–24 season. Prior to that, she held key assistant roles at Fresno State, Siena, Vermont, and Sacred Heart, helping develop more than 40 All-Conference players since 2006.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Bush to Colgate,” Amir said. “She is a proven recruiter, tactician, and leader. She has impacted every program she’s been part of and is more than ready to lead her own team. I’m confident she will continue the positive momentum our program has built.”
Over her career, Bush has helped guide teams to four regular-season championships, four conference tournament finals, and one NCAA tournament appearance. She has coached 41 All-Conference honorees, including three Players of the Year and multiple Rookies and Defensive Players of the Year.
“I am exceedingly grateful to Colgate University, President Brian Casey, Vice President Yariv Amir, and the search committee for this incredible opportunity,” Bush said. “I’m excited to get to work, build strong relationships across the program and community, and continue striving for excellence on and off the court.”
Coaching Career Highlights
Fresno State (2017–2024):
Bush spent seven seasons as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the Bulldogs to two Mountain West tournament finals and a 25-win season in 2019–20. She mentored 14 All-Mountain West players, including Haley and Hanna Cavinder — two standout first-year players who quickly became program leaders. Haley Cavinder was named Freshman of the Year and earned both preseason and postseason honors.
Siena (2015–2017):
In two seasons at Siena, Bush helped the Saints to their best conference finish in over a decade, winning 13 MAAC games in 2016–17 and earning the program’s highest tournament seeding since 2011.
Vermont (2010–2015):
At Vermont, Bush was instrumental in recruiting two of the top classes in program history. The 2012 group was the first top-100-ranked class ever for the Catamounts. She coached four All-Rookie selections during her tenure.
Sacred Heart (2006–2010):
Bush began her coaching career at Sacred Heart, where the Pioneers won 85 games over four seasons. The 2008–09 team went undefeated in conference play, captured the NEC tournament title, and earned an NCAA tournament berth.
Playing Career and Education
A native of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Bush played four seasons at Holy Cross (2002–2006), appearing in 111 games. She was a Patriot League All-Rookie selection and served as team captain as a senior. She helped the Crusaders win two conference titles and reach the NCAA tournament in 2003 and 2005.
Bush holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Holy Cross (2006) and a master’s degree in teaching from Sacred Heart (2008).
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