Brandi Poole and Chris Koclanes return, Peter Feeney gains new full-time role
The Connecticut Sun announced on Jan. 23 that Brandi Poole and Chris Koclanes will return to the team as assistant coaches for the 2020 season under General Manager and Head Coach Curt Miller.
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Peter Feeney will also be joining Mohegan Sun as the Team Operations Manager. He becomes a full-time member of the support staff for both the Sun and the New England Black Wolves.
In the team released press release Curt Miller stated, “I am pleased to announce the return of my entire coaching staff for the 2020 season. I believe strongly that teams thrive and grow when you have consistency and continuity throughout your coaching staff and franchise. We are motivated and look forward to building upon our incredible 2019 journey.”
Poole returns for her third season as an assistant coach of the Sun, after serving as Miller’s assistant at Bowling Green State University from 2001-2012 and at Indiana University from 2012-2014.
Miller stated, “Brandi and I have a tremendous friendship and bond as we begin our 16th season together. She is a huge reason why we have cut down 13 championship nets during our time together. Brandi is a tireless, loyal worker who brings a consistent positive energy to our team. She will continue to work directly with our talented post players and spearhead countless areas on and off the court.”
Koclanes has spent four seasons with the Sun, one as an assistant coach and three as video and operations coordinator. Additionally, he will continue to head up scouting efforts and work with the members of the backcourt.
Miller has had nothing but praise for Koclanes since hiring him, saying, “Chris was one of my first hires when arriving in Connecticut. He has played a huge role in our success on the court and oversees numerous areas within our team. Chris has an elite basketball mind and is one of the rising stars in our profession.”
Prior to his new role, Feeney served as the Basketball Operations/Assistant Video Coordinator. In this new role, Feeney will continue to help the Sun with operations, travel, equipment and video. He will also be an operations resource for the Black Wolves.
Miller commended Feeney’s rise in the organization over the last several years saying, “Peter is a tremendous success story working his way up from a practice player to equipment manager to now a newly created full-time position with the Sun and Black Wolves.”
He continued, “Peter not only serves as our operations director, but has also taken our analytics to a new level in his assistant video coordinator role.
Miller noted that Feeney will begin his new full-time role after he finishes the season a video coordinator for Boston University’s women’s basketball team.
In an offseason of coaching movement, the Sun’s consistency will undoubtedly help them in the 2020 season. The promotion within the organization that often occurs with this coaching staff is something that is not seen as often in the current coaching climate.
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