Wilkes athletic director Addy Malatesta has announced the hiring of Chris Heery as head coach of the women’s basketball program. He becomes the 13th head coach in the 51-year history of the program.
 
“I am looking forward to bringing new excitement to the Wilkes women’s basketball program,” said Heery. “One of my passions is teaching the game of basketball, and I can’t wait to bring that passion to the Lady Colonels.”

Heery replaces Rachel Emmerthal, who was let go this offseason after six seasons. The Colonels were 6-19 in 2010-11.
 
Heery comes to Wilkes after spending six seasons as an assistant coach at Muhlenberg under Ron Rohn. The 2005-06 season, his first in Allentown, saw the Mules have one of the biggest turnarounds in NCAA Division III history, going 26-3 after an 11-14 record the year before. The 26 wins was a school record, as Muhlenberg won the Centennial Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
 
During his six years at Muhlenberg, the Mules posted a 131-31 overall record, claiming four Centennial championships, five NCAA tournament appearances, and two trips to the Division III Sweet 16.
 
The 2008-09 team finished 18-0 in the Centennial, the conference’s first-ever unbeaten team. That squad finished the year 26-4, advancing to the NCAA tournament round of 16 for the first time in school history.
 
Prior to his arrival at Muhlenberg, Heery was the head coach at neighboring Cedar Crest for five seasons. During his time there, Heery helped the Falcons set several team records while Heery was there, including most rebounds in a game; most rebounds in a season; most three-point shots made; and highest three-point percentage by a player.
 
During the 2000-01 season, Heery helped Angela Ensley lead Division III in scoring with a 26.1 average, while she finished third in the country in three-pointers made. Also in that season, Tiffany Stewart grabbed 346 rebounds (14.4 per game average), good enough for third in Division III.
 
A 1991 graduate of Kutztown, Heery spent eight years coaching junior high basketball in Lehighton followed by nine seasons as a high school coach at Northwestern Lehigh in New Tripoli. Also an educator, he spent 15 years teaching middle school and another five years at the university level.
 
For the past 15 summers, Heery has honed his skills at Coach Wootten’s Basketball Camp, as he’s worked alongside legendary high school basketball and Hall of Fame coach, Morgan Wootten.
 
“This year, I will rely heavily on the experience and leadership of our returning players,” said Heery. “Our team will lean on them to help get us through our competitive Freedom Conference schedule.”
 
Heery lives in Lehighton with his wife and four sons.