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WNBA veteran and entrepreneur Michelle Marciniak has been named general manager of Arizona women’s basketball.
The position, which did not exist under former UA head coach Adia Barnes, is responsible for program operations, staffing, roster management, global recruiting and NIL development.
Marciniak, the co-founder of SHEEX, a performance bedding company that she led for 17 years as co-CEO, played at Tennessee, helping lead the Lady Vols to two SEC championships, back-to-back Final Fours and a 1996 NCAA national championship.
Michelle Marciniak, of Tennessee, holds the women’s NCAA National Championship trophy after Tennessee defeated Georgia 83-65 in the finals of the 1996 NCAA Tournament.
She would go on to play professionally for six seasons in the ABL and WNBA before serving as an assistant coach at South Carolina.
In fact, it was at South Carolina where Marciniak signed new UA women’s hoops coach Becky Burke as part of a nationally ranked top-10 class.
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“We have hit an absolute home run with the addition of Michelle Marciniak to Arizona women’s basketball,” Burke said in a news release. “She was one of the best players in the history of our game and is also one of the most successful businesswomen in the country.
“Her experience, connections and knowledge are second to none, but her competitive spirit and passion for the game are what make her, her. Michelle’s mentorship of our players will be invaluable.”
Under Marciniak’s leadership, SHEEX raised more than $25 million in capital, secured 53 patents across 24 countries and became a globally recognized brand featured by The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and O, The Oprah Magazine, the Arizona Athletics news release said.
“I’m truly honored to step into the GM role at Arizona,” Marciniak said. “This opportunity brings together everything I care deeply about — the business of basketball, leadership and building something meaningful alongside others. … With deep respect for (Athletic Director) Desireé (Reed-Francois), Becky, our staff and the entire Arizona community, my goal is to help elevate the Arizona women’s basketball brand and build a sustainable national championship program.”
Marciniak will also act as an advisor to Burke, aligning on program culture, leadership and national brand strategy.
“Becky is a fierce competitor with a passion for the game that deeply resonates with me. She wants to win — and she’s a proven winner. She has both the basketball IQ and the emotional intelligence to be a truly successful coach.”
The new hire sparked praise from former Arizona women’s coach Joan Bonvicini: “She’s a proven winner as a player and also had a great career in the WNBA. Her addition as a successful entrepreneur will provide valuable resources to the program. She will be extremely successful.”
Carolyn Peck, ESPN analyst and former NCAA Championship coach, described Marciniak as a “builder and a connector.”
