Rodgerson Devitt Steps Down as Head Women's Basketball Coach; Phippard Tapped to Lead Leopards

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Amanda Rodgerson Devitt, who has served as the head women's basketball coach at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the past six seasons, has announced her resignation, effective immediately. Assistant coach Matt Phippard has been named the program's head coach as announced by Director of Athletics Angel Ayres.

"My time at Wentworth has been memorable because of the student-athletes that I have had the pleasure of working with," said Rodgerson Devitt. "The talented student-athletes our department continues to produce have provided me with lasting memories."

In her six seasons on the Leopard bench, Rodgerson Devitt won 51 games, which is the most in program history. She guided Wentworth to three seasons of 10 or more victories – including a posting a 12 victories during the 2009-10 season – and the team made a pair of appearances (2010, 2013) in the Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament. She coached four players who combined to earn All-CCC honors seven times, including the 2010 defensive player of the year.

Rodgerson Devitt arrived at Wentworth in 2007 after a successful, three-season stint as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Women's Basketball Coach at Southern Maine Community College. A former standout at the University of New England (Class of 2002), she was inducted into her alma mater's hall of fame in 2010.

"I wish nothing but the best for Amanda as she has been a very committed and hard-working coach and administrator during her time at Wentworth," said Ayres. "She is well respected by both her student-athletes and co-workers and she has brought a lot to our department over the last six years. I am confident she will continue to accomplish great achievements in her future."

Rodgerson Devitt will remain on staff until November 29, assisting in the transition and handling her administrative duties as Senior Woman Administrator and the department's work-study and events coordinator. Associate Director of Athletics Danielle Ferrara will assume the SWA duties as of December 2.

Phippard, who is also in his second season as Wentworth's Head Men's Golf Coach, is entering his fifth season on the Leopard women's basketball staff. Prior to arriving at Wentworth, he spent five seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach at Bridgewater State where he helped the Bears to an 83-50 record, a Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference Championship in 2009, and two appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including advancing to the "Sweet Sixteen" during the 2008-09 season. That season Bridgewater State set a program record for wins, finishing 22-7.

A native of Duxbury, Mass., and 1997 graduate of Arizona State University, Phippard began his coaching career as the junior varsity boys' basketball coach at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, Ariz., where he spent two seasons. After two seasons as the freshman boys' basketball coach at Duxbury High School, he spent two seasons as the head boys' basketball coach for Sun Valley High School in Mesa, Ariz., before returning to New England to spend two years as an assistant boys' varsity basketball coach at Hingham High School.

"This is truly a tremendous opportunity and I am grateful to be named Wentworth's head women's basketball coach," said Phippard. "At the same time I'd like to thank Amanda for all she has done. Wentworth is losing a great coach and an even better person who will be greatly missed."

"Matt has been a great addition to our staff and I am excited to have him as our new head women's basketball coach," said Ayres. "His passion for the game and Wentworth is exactly what we need to continue building a successful program."

Wentworth, which returns nine players from last season's squad, opens the 2013-14 season at the Emerson College Tip-Off Tournament. The Leopards battle the host Lions on Saturday, November 16, and either Elmira or Manhattanville on Sunday, November 17.