ATLANTA – Siena Heights assistant women's basketball coach, Sara Chrenko was named the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 2021 Assistant Coach of the Year for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division.
The WBCA Assistant Coach of the Year award is presented to one associate head coach or assistant coach in each of the six membership divisions (NCAA DI, DII, DII, NAIA, Two-Year College, and High School) who demonstrates a commitment to their program, their student-athletes, and their head coach; their impact coaching on the court; their mentorship and impact on other coaches; and their professional manner and attitude.
"Sara Chrenko has been an invaluable member of our program for the past two decades," said Siena Heights women's basketball head coach, Sue Syljebeck. "Her commitment and passion for Siena Heights University and the women's basketball team knows no bounds. Without her years of dedication and work, our program would not be where it is today. I can't think of anyone who deserves this honor more than her."
Chrenko has spent her entire adult life as a member of the Siena Heights community. She started as a women's basketball student-athlete from 2000-04 before transitioning into a student manager the following year (2004-05). Upon graduating with her degree, she became a three-year graduate assistant coach before moving to the role of the assistant coach where she has been a fixture on the court for the Saints the past 16 seasons. While coaching, Chrenko worked in the admissions office at Siena and currently is a part of the Career Services division at the university.
"I am honored to be selected by the WBCA and recognized by my peers to receive this prestigious award," stated Chrenko. "I feel extremely blessed that Sue gave me the opportunity to coach and continue to be part of the Siena Heights Women's Basketball program. I am grateful to the many coaches and players who have believed in this program and built it into a success!"
The WBCA Assist Coach of the Year award was first given in 2016 and is presented annually. Coach Sara Chrenko is the first member of the Siena Heights coaching staff to receive this prestigious award.
For a complete list of all WBCA Coach of the Year winners click here.
