ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell University Rebecca Quinn Morgan Class of 1960 Head Women's Basketball Coach Emily Garner announced the hiring of Courtnay Pilypaitis as an assistant coach. Pilypaitis brings more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience to the Big Red.
 
Pilypaitis joins Cornell after serving as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Fresno State University since 2021, where she helped develop multiple Mountain West all-conference selections and 1,000-point scorers. During her tenure with the Bulldogs, she coached and recruited All Mountain West player and 1,000-point scorer Amaya West, and was instrumental in recruiting efforts that brought in the program's first team member named to the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award watch list.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Court to our team and program," commented Garner. "With an impressive background that includes both professional and collegiate coaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our team. Her strong recruiting ties across the West Coast and internationally will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build for the future. Most importantly, Coach Court is known for her ability to build meaningful relationships with student-athletes, staff, and the community -- a quality that aligns perfectly with the values of our program. We're excited for her move to Ithaca and Run Red with us this upcoming season and beyond."
 
Prior to Fresno State, Pilypaitis spent three seasons (2016-2019) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as assistant coach and international recruiting coordinator. At UMBC, she coached four America East honorees, including Taylor McCarley, a two-time first team selection who ended her career ranking in the top five in UMBC's history in scoring, assists and steals.
 
From 2012-2016, Pilypaitis served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Vermont, where she helped recruit and mentor three America East All-Conference team selections, including a defensive player of the year and all-time block leader.
 
"I'm incredibly honored and excited to join the Cornell Women's Basketball program," said Pilypaitis. "It's a privilege to work alongside such a talented group of student-athletes and coaches at one of the nation's premier academic institutions. I'm looking forward to contributing to a culture of excellence, growth, and competitiveness both on and off the court."
 
As a player, Pilypaitis competed professionally, including a seven-year stint with Team Canada where she participated in the 2012 Olympic Games in London and on multiple world championship teams. She also played for Vici-Aistes of the Euroleague where she was named Import Player of the Year and Guard of the Year.
 
Pilypaitis was a standout player at the University of Vermont from 2006-2010, where she served as a three-year captain and two-time NCAA tournament participant. She finished her career a three-time America East first team selection, first in program history in games played, 3-point makes, triple doubles and assists, while ranking third in scoring and rebounding.
 
Pilypaitis graduated from Vermont in 2010 with a degree in Public Communication.