The 2002-03 season marks Mary Gleason’s third season with the New York University women’s basketball program. She is responsible for player evaluation and serves as the program’s national and local recruiting coordinator. Gleason is also involved in day-to-day operations and planning for player development and game-floor coaching.
“Mary is a tireless worker and a terrific ambassador for this program and this institution,” explained NYU head coach Janice Quinn. “She serves as an invaluable resource in assisting young women complete the college selection process.”
Prior to joining the NYU staff, Gleason played professional basketball from 1997-99 in Fribourg, Switzerland, and in Madrid, Spain.
After earning her bachelor of arts degree in history from Southern Methodist University in 1995, Gleason went on to teach at Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. There, she taught senior level world history and assisted with the six-time 4A District Champion girls’ basketball team. In 1996, she served as a teacher and coach at Kimbrough Middle School in Mesquite, TX. As head coach, she led Kimbrough to their best basketball record in school history, along with leading the seventh and eighth grade track programs to district championships. Soon after, Gleason became an assistant women’s basketball coach at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas.
“I’m very proud to be part of the NYU basketball staff. I enjoy working with such bright student-athletes and helping them further their lifetime and career goals,” Gleason said. “I appreciate the opportunity to coach here, and I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge from working with someone as successful as Coach Quinn.”
Gleason was a four-year player at Southern Methodist University (1991-95) and team captain as a senior. Joining the team as a walk-on, Gleason earned the starting point-guard position and helped lead the Mustangs to two NCAA Tournament appearances. She remains SMU’s all-time leader with 132 three-pointers made and is second with 365 attempts. Gleason went on to participate in WNBA tryouts for the Detroit Shock and Houston Comets.
A native of Pasadena, TX, Gleason is one of eight children and the only female of the group. She currently resides in Manhattan.
