LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Plefka has announced the addition of new assistant coach Samera Marsh ahead of the 2025-26 season. Marsh comes to Lowell with 17 years of collegiate coaching experience, including most recently serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for UMass Amherst.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Samera to UMass Lowell as an assistant coach,” said Plefka. “With over 17 years of collegiate coaching experience, Samera brings extensive basketball knowledge, recruiting success and a strong dedication to the holistic development of student-athletes. Her professionalism, energy and proven track record make her a valuable addition to our coaching staff and the continued growth of our program.”
In her two years with the Minutewomen, Marsh was a key piece in signing and developing Yahmani McKayle, the 2025 A10 Rookie of the Year. She also played a pivotal role in developing the team’s leading and second-leading scorers. During her final year in Amherst, she also helped guide the team to a WNIT postseason appearance.
“I’ve known Jon for some years and always admired his leadership style,” commented Marsh. “I get to learn from him, which is great because he has played at the highest level and has extensive head coaching experience. I can honestly say that I am hyped to work alongside Jon, who is the ultimate competitor and knows what it takes to be successful. Also, with UMass Lowell being such a beautiful campus, plus the popularity of this area, helping to build up this program will be fun.”
Prior to Massachusetts, Marsh spent a season as an assistant coach at Manhattan University, returning for a second stint after coaching there during the 2015-16 season, as well. While there, she coached an All-MAAC First Team and All-MET Team selection, in addition to helping the team make it to the MAAC Tournament Championship game.
Other stops for Marsh included serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for a season at Wagner, taking over as the interim head coach at Delaware State after spending over two years as an assistant there, and filling the role of both assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at LIU Brooklyn.
Ahead of her time at LIU, Marsh spent five seasons as the lead assistant coach at Monroe University, where she led the team to back-to-back Division II NJCAA National Championships (2011, 2012). Marsh began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Saint Peter’s, working in that role from 2008-2010.
Marsh earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Saint Peter’s and is pursuing her master’s in sports administration from Delaware State.
