Utah Valley women's basketball has hired Kylee Mabry, a former standout player, as an assistant coach and Director of Basketball Operations for the 2026-27 season. Mabry, who ranks second all-time in steals for the Wolverines, is expected to leverage her defensive expertise and knowledge of the program to aid in recruiting and player development. Head coach Dan Nielson expressed excitement about retaining Mabry within the UVU family, highlighting her impact on the program鈥檚 growth and future.

By the Numbers
  • Mabry ranks second in UVU history with 216 career steals, just behind Asumi Nakayama (221).
  • She recorded 59 steals during the 2024-25 season and averaged over 2.0 steals per game in consecutive seasons.
Yes, But

While Mabry's hiring is celebrated, some may question how an inexperienced coach can handle the dual roles of assistant coach and Director of Basketball Operations effectively.

State of Play
  • Mabry returns to UVU following a successful collegiate career that included a program-record 19 wins and a postseason appearance.
  • Her understanding of game strategies and defensive rotations is expected to boost new players鈥� performance and confidence.
What's Next

As Mabry transitions into her coaching role, she will focus on building relationships with current players and incorporating her defensive strategies. The team's upcoming season will be a critical test of how effectively she can influence player performance and team dynamics.

Bottom Line

Kylee Mabry's appointment signals Utah Valley's commitment to fostering alumni partnerships and enhancing its women's basketball program through experienced coaching. Her return to UVU not only honors her past contributions but also aims to shape a promising future for the team.