Oct. 17, 2008
SPOKANE, Wash. - She was modeling the new Bulldog uniform a week before the official start date of the Gonzaga University women's basketball team. While the team was playing in an open scrimmage, she walked out of the locker room in the Zag's fancy new home uniform. She looked like a student-athlete, gleaming and giddy over the No. 31 uniform. But she wasn't one of the student-athletes. The beaming Bulldog was none other than Michelle Elliott, a star for Gonzaga who finished her playing career last season and is beginning her first season as an assistant coach for the Zags.
"We could not be more excited about Michelle joining our staff," said head coach Kelly Graves. "She personifies the best of Gonzaga University and our basketball program. She is a great natural leader, always positive and very enthusiastic."
Elliott closed out her two-year career as a Zag with 626 points, 222 rebounds, 126 assists and 53 steals. More important than the statistics though was the leadership she brought to the squad. Elliott was the emotional leader both on and off the court, always there to lift a player's spirit or spark a fire in a fellow player.
"Michelle is extremely bright and articulate and knows and believes in our coaching staff, team and system," remarked Graves. "I anticipate that she will continue to inspire our players as a coach just like she did as a player and I know with all my heart that she'll be tremendous representative of our university and basketball program. I could not think of anyone more fitting for our coaching staff."
Elliott has relished the transition from player to coach. She is honest in letting you know that at times it is hard not being out on the floor scrimmaging with this year's team, but she will also let you know that she likes being able to opt out of the conditioning.
"The transition from player to coach has been pretty smooth so far," Elliott said. "I am learning a lot and realizing that there is a ton more that goes on behind the scenes that I never knew about.
"One of the hardest parts of the job, which I am sure everyone knew would be a factor, is not playing anymore. I don't get to put my practice uniform on, chill in the locker room with the team. But as I tell people, I feel so blessed that I am still able to be on the Bulldog bench coaching."
As the official start date of the women's basketball season looms, Elliott is anxious to begin coaching. She hasn't had much opportunity to coach since being hired in May. Weeks after being hired, Elliott, along with the rest of the staff, hit the recruiting trail hard. Summer camps, official visits, conditioning and small individuals with the team followed. She is now ready to put her focus towards the season.
"Coaching is something I haven't gotten to do a lot of yet," Elliott said, only days before the kick-off to the new season. "I am really looking forward to that first day of practice, and I must say I feel the nerves just as I did as a player. We have a fun group of student-athletes this year and I can't wait to see what they all will look like on the court from the other side of the spectrum."
She credits Graves, Kaczor Berry, Lisa Mispley Fortier and the whole Gonzaga family with preparing her for the new role. She considers herself blessed to have such amazing and knowledgeable people to work with every day.
"I have learned a ton from the other coaches so far," Elliott said. "Jodie has taught me to smile at every stress in my life, Lisa has taught me to do things the right way, and Kelly has taught me how to be relaxed and enjoy this amazing job I get to do."
She may not be suiting up in her No. 31 jersey this year, wearing a suit and heels instead, but Elliott is still a leader for Gonzaga no matter what she is wearing.
