An assistant coach at Division I University of Massachusetts since 2023, she helped lead the team turnaround
“Tufts University is one of the premier institutions in the country, and the opportunity to lead this program is truly special,” said Clare Fitzpatrick. Photo: Courtesy of UMass Athletics
Clare Fitzpatrick, an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts, has been named the next head coach of the Tufts University women’s basketball program.
Fitzpatrick arrives at Tufts with a reputation as a dynamic leader, outstanding recruiter, and proven developer of student-athletes. She becomes just the 10th head coach in program history and will lead one of the nation’s premier Division III women’s basketball programs.
“Throughout the search process, Clare distinguished herself through her vision for the future of our program, her commitment to student-athlete development, and her understanding of what makes Tufts such a special place,” said Ryan Pisarri, director of athletics. “We are excited for her to lead our women’s basketball program and continue its tradition of excellence.”
Fitzpatrick comes to Tufts University after serving as an assistant coach at Division I University of Massachusetts since 2023. Over the last three years, she helped orchestrate the largest turnaround in program history, taking a team from five wins in 2023–24 to over 20 victories in 2025–26.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to be named the next head coach of Tufts women’s basketball,” said Fitzpatrick. “Tufts University is one of the premier institutions in the country, and the opportunity to lead this program is truly special. I look forward to meeting our student-athletes, embracing the Jumbo community, and working together to pursue excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in life.”
Throughout her coaching career, Fitzpatrick has demonstrated a commitment to competitive excellence while fostering environments that prioritize personal growth, academic achievement, and leadership development.
Prior to her time at UMass, she was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Holy Cross from 2019 to 2023; the Crusaders were 2023 Patriot League champions. Fitzpatrick also has had stops at Air Force Academy from 2015 through 2019 and started her coaching career as an assistant in 2013 at Yale University of the Ivy League.
‘One of the Best Coaches I’ve Ever Had’
“Clare played a huge role in our success,” said Mike Laflar, head women’s basketball coach at UMass. “Recruiting, relationship building, helping players get better—Clare made an impact. Tufts’ current and future student-athletes should be excited for what is to come.”
Stefanie Kulesza, a former UMass women’s basketball player who most recently played with AB Contern in Luxembourg, said that Fitzgerald “has genuinely been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. She knows the game inside and out, not just because of her experience as a former player, but because she gives so much passion and effort into her teams.”
Fitzpatrick said that many things attracted her to the Tufts position. “The combination of world-class academics, a nationally respected athletic department, and the investment in the overall student-athlete experience made this opportunity incredibly attractive,” she said. “I was especially drawn to the chance to work with student-athletes who are committed to challenging themselves both academically and athletically.”
As she prepares for her first season in Medford, Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining the championship standards that have become synonymous with Tufts women’s basketball.
“My immediate focus is on building meaningful relationships, earning trust, and creating a culture where our student-athletes can thrive both individually and collectively,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am committed to honoring the program’s tradition of excellence while continuing to build a team and culture that makes our alumni, supporters, and the entire Jumbo community proud.”
“I want Tufts women’s basketball to be defined by the energy, toughness, and tenacity we bring every day,” she added. “We are going to play fast, compete relentlessly, and embrace the challenge of being the hardest-working team on the floor. My teams will play with joy and confidence. Our players will be committed to defending, rebounding, and sharing the ball.”
