After six seasons at the helm of the Fontbonne women's basketball program, coach Maureen Sias announced she's been named athletic director at Notre Dame High School in St. Louis. Assistant coach Michael Fitzgerald will take over full time as head coach. Head men's soccer coach Donnie Alberty will take over as the director of compliance.
Just one month earlier, Sias had been named an assistant athletic director at Fontbonne.
"The last six seasons as head coach are times I'll cherish," said Sias. "I've been able to coach some amazing young women. Although it's hard to leave, I know I'm leaving the program in a good place and that Coach Fitzgerald will do amazing things as the new head coach. I'm excited to be a fan and see where the women's basketball program goes."
"Thank you to Maureen Sias for her commitment to Fontbonne basketball, the athletic department, and the university," said athletic director Maria Buckel. "We hate to lose such a great coach and leader but know she will be a great athletic director at Notre Dame High School. I wish her all the best in her next chapter and know we will see her in the future cheering on our teams."
Sias, who's accumulated a 71-81 record in six seasons, finished out her final year on a high note where she guided the Griffins to a 16-10 overall record, a program-record 15 conference wins, earned the No. 2 slot in the SLIAC tournament, and was named SLIAC Coach of the Year for the first time in her career.
Fitzgerald, who has been with Fontbonne since 2017, will take over after assisting opponent scouting, game plans, practice plans, and recruiting.
"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to be the head women's basketball coach at Fontbonne University," said Fitzgerald. "We look forward to building off our success from last year and becoming one of the top teams in the SLIAC every year."
Outside of Fontbonne, Fitzgerald is currently a Pure Sweat Basketball Skills Coach since 2015. There, he provides purposeful, comprehensive, and game-like training for some of the top basketball players in the St. Louis Area.
Prior to his time with Pure Sweat and Fontbonne, Fitzgerald spent 10 years at Affton High School, including five as the head men's basketball coach.