Bio

Erin McAleenan became head coach of the UNB REDS in June of 2023, replacing long-time bench boss Jeff Speedy who assumed duties as UNB’s Associate Director of Athletics.

The Sussex, NB native takes over the REDS having served as head coach previously at the University of Lethbridge (2012-13 through 2014-15), York University (2015-16 through 2020-21), and the University of British Columbia (2021-22 and 2022-23).

Prior to her first head coaching job, McAleenan served as an assistant coach at the University of Alberta for three seasons.

She played four seasons at Acadia University (1999-2000 through 2002-2003).

Along with her work in Canadian university basketball, McAleenan served as head coach of Canada’s gold medal winning women’s 3X3 team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, was an assistant coach with the national junior women’s team between 2017 and 2019, was head coach of Alberta’s Canada Summer Games team in 2013 and was head coach of Alberta’s U17 girls’ team in 2011 and 2012.

The McAleenan name carries a lot of weight in New Brunswick basketball circles.

Erin’s father, Peter, played at UNB under legendary men’s coach Don Nelson, and the trophy presented to the top coach in girls high school basketball in New Brunswick carries her grandmother’s name.

McAleenan earned a Science degree at Acadia, an Education degree at Trent University, and holds a Masters in Coaching from the University of Alberta.