'Buffalo, I'm back': Kristen Sharkey returning to coach UB women's basketball

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Kristen Sharkey, a former University at Buffalo women's basketball player and assistant, has been hired as the program's 14th head coach, athletic director Mark Alnutt announced Friday.

Sharkey was most recently the associated head coach at Syracuse University, following Felisha Legette-Jack there after seven seasons on the coaching staff at UB.

“Buffalo, I’m back!” Sharkey stated in a news release. "I’m returning to lead this great program enriched with success to higher heights. I stepped onto this campus 15 years ago not knowing the impact this special place would have on my life. Now, it is my turn to help these young women achieve their dreams and reach their highest potential both on the court and in the classroom. We will win basketball games but more importantly we will grow these young women into the best versions of themselves for their futures.”

Sharkey replaces Becky Burke, who left to become the coach at Arizona University after leading UB to a WNIT championship in her third season.

In her player career, Sharkey started 85 consecutive games for the Bulls and was twice selected to the All-Mid-American Conference team. She ranks 13th on UB's all-time scoring list with 1,264 points.

“Kristen Sharkey is a prime example of the transformational impact our great University has on its students,” Alnutt said. “As a two-time alum and standout member of our basketball program, I am elated that we had the opportunity to bring Kristen back home! She continued to grow and be highly successful as an assistant coach here and at Syracuse. She is a relentless recruiter, relationship builder, has a great sense of the game of basketball and is an incredible mentor and developer of young women both on and off the court. She has more than earned this opportunity and is overly prepared to become our next head coach."