KINGS POINT, N.Y. (Oct. 29, 2024) – USMMA sixth-year Athletic Director Kristofer Schnatz has announced that Alexa Shields will serve as the Interim Head Coach of the women's basketball program ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season. This comes after 16-year head coach Matt Dempsey recently announced his retirement.
 
Shields has been on the Mariners' sidelines alongside Dempsey since they both arrived at Kings Point in 2008. She helped guide the program to its first three Skyline Conference Championships and appearances in the NCAA National Tournament and has coached one All-American and a handful off All-Region honorees.
 
A dedicated member of the Physical Education & Athletics staff as well as the broader USMMA community, Shields has been on numerous committees Academy-wide including being the PE&A Leadership Assessment coordinator and serves as an aquatics instructor teaching midshipmen in the pool at Merchant Marine.
 
"I want to thank Kris Schnatz for the opportunity to continue doing what I have loved doing since 2008 at USMMA; coaching amazing student athletes," said Shields. "I also want to thank Matt Dempsey for preparing me for this next chapter in my coaching career. I am excited for the upcoming season and am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish. I am fortunate to have the privilege to coach a truly dedicated group of young women on and off the court."
 
The Mariners open the season on the road at Baruch College in Manhattan on Wednesday evening, Nov. 13. Opening jump is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the ARC Center Gymnasium. The full 2024-25 schedule can be found at this link.
 
Receive USMMA Women's Basketball News Right To Your E-Mail!
If you would like to receive the latest news, including all press releases, for the USMMA women's basketball team (or any other team at the academy), sent directly to your e-mail, fill out this form.
 
Follow USMMA Athletics On Social Media!
Be sure to follow USMMA Athletics on social media to get up-to-the-minute updates on your favorite teams! Start following today on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!