Story Courtesy of UMass Athletic Communications
AMHERST, Mass.– Women's Basketball Head Coach Mike Leflar has officially agreed to a contract extension, announced by Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford on Thursday. Leflar is now set to lead the Massachusetts women's basketball program into the 2029-30 season, as the program enters its first season in the Mid-American Conference.
"In just two seasons, Mike Leflar has continued the advancement of our women's basketball program, and this contract extension ensures that momentum continues," said Bamford. "Our commitment through the 2029-30 season reflects our dedication to building a program capable of sustained championship success and brand elevation. I thank Mike for his partnership and community-focused approach in making Massachusetts Basketball regionally and nationally relevant."
Following a 2024-25 season that saw the Minutewomen improve by 12 wins, Leflar led Massachusetts to a 17-15 record, going 11-7 in conference play while earning an at-large bid to the 2025 WNIT. With Leflar at the helm, UMass ranked 43rd in the country in rebound margin last season. The Minutewomen entered the top-75 nationally in multiple statistical categories, finishing 56th in scoring defense, 64th in offensive rebounding, 73rd in FG% defense, and 75th in forced turnovers. Earning the seventh seed in its final season in the Atlantic 10, Massachusetts ranked third in the conference in assists and turnover margin.
"My family and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead UMass Women's Basketball long term" stated Leflar. "Chancellor Reyes and his wife Martiza have come to know our program on a personal level, and I am thankful for their friendship and support. I want to thank Director of Athletics, Ryan Bamford, and Deputy Director of Athletics, Kirsten Britton, for their continued counsel and huge vote of confidence with this contract."
Bringing out the best of the roster, Leflar coached Yahmani McKayle to Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year honors in addition to an All-Rookie selection, while Megan Olbrys tabbed Third Team All-Atlantic 10. McKayle became the fourth Minutewoman to earn Rookie of the Year, the first winner since Hailey Leidel in 2016-17.
"I am proud of our progress as a program, and that is a direct reflection of the people in our program" Leflar continued. "Our incredible coaches and support staff help create a positive student-athlete experience, and I am thankful for them. I also want to thank our current players and recent alumni for their buy-in and willingness to be challenged each day: that is how we get better. Lastly, I want to thank our alumnae for their support and engagement. I truly feel we are all in this together."
Leflar was named the 12th women's basketball head coach at the University of Massachusetts on April 10, 2023, after serving as the assistant women's basketball coach from 2018-2021, before being promoted to associate head coach in 2021. Leflar was integral in building the most successful era in Massachusetts women's basketball, helping the program to its first regular season Atlantic 10 Championship after its first Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship in 2021-22 and NCAA Tournament berth in 2022.
