In the span of a week, Arizona Women’s Basketball has gone from searching for a head coach to being on the forefront of staffing and personnel in collegiate athletics. And while Becky Burke is busy assembling a roster, she’s also finding time to curate her staff. On Thursday, Arizona named Michelle Marciniak as the program’s first general manager.
“I’m truly honored to step into the GM role at Arizona,” Marciniak said in a statement released on Thursday. “This opportunity brings together everything I care deeply about — the business of basketball, leadership, and building something meaningful alongside others. I’ve been shaped by a championship mindset, and I’m committed to contributing in a way that honors the incredible foundation already in place. With deep respect for Desireé, Becky, our staff and the entire Arizona community, my goal is to help elevate the Arizona women’s basketball brand and build a sustainable national championship program. I’m excited to work together on a thoughtful, strategic path forward.”
“Becky is a fierce competitor with a passion for the game that deeply resonates with me. She wants to win — and she’s a proven winner. She has both the basketball IQ and the emotional intelligence to be a truly successful coach. I believe in Becky — she’s the reason I said yes to coming to Arizona. What sets her apart is her conviction, her humility and the way she leads with purpose and an all-in mentality that inspires everyone around her.”
Per release, Marciniak will be responsible for developing the Wildcats’ long-term vision under Burke. Her responsibilities will include program operations, staffing, roster management, global recruiting, and NIL development. She will also serve as a trusted advisor to Burke, assisting with alignment of the program’s culture, leadership, and national brand strategy.
Marciniak has an impressive background as both a player and coach. Under hall of fame coach Pat Summitt, Marciniak and the Lady Vols won to two SEC championships and made back-to-back Final Four appearances. She received Most Outstanding Player honors after leading Tennessee to the 1996 NCAA National Championship. She went on to play in both the American Basketball League (ABL) and WNBA, including the Seattle Storm, where she was teammates with former Arizona head coach Adia Barnes in 2002. After her retirement, she went on to begin her coaching career, serving as an assistant for South Carolina from 2003-2008.
Following her career in basketball, Marciniak co-founded SHEEX, a performance bedding company. During her 17-year career as co-CEO, SHEEX raised more than $25 million in capital and secured 53 patents across 24 countries. The brand also appeared in the The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and O, The Oprah Magazine.
Michelle Marciniak and Arizona join a relatively exclusive list of teams with a general manager named to its staff. At least two other Big 12 programs – Baylor’s Juliana Smith and Iowa State’s Billy Fennelly – have a general manager on staff. Other Division I programs with a GM include Duke’s Rachel Baker, North Carolina’s Jim Tanner, USC’s Amy Broadhead, and Cal’s Meghin Williams.