Hickory, N.C. – Lenoir-Rhyne University has announced the hiring of Cameron Sealey as its new Head Women's Basketball Coach, school officials confirmed earlier today.  Sealey becomes the 12th coach in program history.

"We have a very special and unique opportunity to hire one of the top up-and-coming coaches in women's college basketball who also happens to be one of Lenoir-Rhyne's most accomplished players, said Lenoir-Rhyne Director of Athletics Kim Pate.  "Coach (Cam) Sealey brings tremendous passion and pride for our University and will immediately ignite excitement in our players, recruits, and alumni to restore a tradition of excellence that will return the program to national prominence."

Sealey comes to LR after serving one year as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Wofford College (2016-17).  As a member of the Terriers' staff, Sealey developed Chloe Wanink into a All-SoCon Second-Team honoree and was part of a team which produced the second-most victories for Wofford since the 2000-01 campaign.

Prior to Wofford, Sealey was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Georgia State (2015-16) for one season as well.  At GSU, Sealey recruited this year's Sun Belt Freshman Of The Year (Jada Lewis) and coached the league freshman of the year in 2015-16 (Madison Newby).

"I am honored to return to my alma mater to teach and learn from these special student-athletes," said Cameron Sealey.  "It is an exciting time for LR Women's Basketball and I cannot wait to get started on our team's journey as we grow together.  I also would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Fred K. Whitt (LR President), Kim Pate (LR Athletics Director) and their team for trusting me with this opportunity."

Sealey's last experience at the NCAA Division II level came at USC Aiken where she served as an Assistant Coach for two seasons (2013-15).  Sealey helped lead the squad to a third-place finish in the Peach Belt Conference and a berth in the league tournament semifinals in 2014-15.  Sealey began her coaching career at Pittsburgh-Johnstown (2012-13).  At UPJ, Sealey guided both Kaitlynn Fratz (WVIAC All-Conference First Team) and Jasmine Harper (WVIAC Freshman Of The Year).

Sealey earned her bachelor's degree from Lenoir-Rhyne in 2012 in business administration before obtaining her master's from Concordia University Irvine in 2016 in coaching and athletic administration.

Sealey played four years at Lenoir-Rhyne (2008-12) and left as one of the best players in recent history.  Sealey was a three-time all-league honoree including a First-Team All-SAC selection in 2010-11 and 2011-12 and led the Bears to a pair of NCAA Division II Playoff berths (2009 and 2010).  Sealey was also an all-region selection as a senior.

Sealey currently ranks sixth in scoring (1,493 points), second in free throw percentage (.796) and 10th in assists (267) on the school's all-time lists and was part of two SAC Regular Season Championship Teams (2008-09 and 2009-10) and one league tournament title in 2009.  As a freshman in 2008-09, the Bears went 27-5 on the year and hosted the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Tournament.

"I am extremely blessed and humbled to be named the next Lenoir-Rhyne Head Women's Basketball Coach," added Sealey.  "I would be remiss if I did not recognize former LR Head Coaches Todd Starkey and Katie Pate for bringing the program to regional and national prominence." 

A native of Gastonia, N.C., Sealey starred at East Gaston High School as she still holds the school record for both points scored (1,500) and assists (450) and played in the prestigious NCSAA East/West All-Star Game.

Lenoir-Rhyne posted its first winning season in three years in 2016-17, finishing 17-12 overall with a 13-9 record in South Atlantic Conference play.

A press conference and meet-and-greet session is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, at 4:00 p.m., in the PEF Board Room located in Shuford Memorial Gymnasium.  All members of the media are invited and the meeting is open to the public.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT CAMERON SEALEY
"I watched Cameron (Sealey) grow into one of the best players and toughest competitors in Lenoir-Rhyne history.  Since she left LR, she has developed into one of the brightest young coaches in America.  Other than her family, no one is more proud of Cameron than I am … and the Bears will win again."
Todd Starkey, Head Women's Basketball Coach
Kent State University

Lenoir-Rhyne is getting a terrific coach in Cam (Sealey) to lead its women's basketball program.  Coach Sealey has a passion for basketball and developing players both on and off the court.  She will demand excellence from them in the classroom, on the court and in the community.  Cam is an excellent recruiter and I am confident she will bring in players that will continue to make LR's program successful.  She will bring in players of high character, work ethic and who will place a high priority on being good teammates.  We are sad to see Coach Sealey move on but could not be more excited for her to take over the women's basketball program at her alma mater.  We wish her nothing but the best."
Jimmy Garrity, Head Women's Basketball Coach
Wofford College

"Cameron (Sealey) is a great young coach.  She is mature beyond her years and understands the game and the importance of relationships in this profession.  She has integrity and character and a strong competitive drive.  I am excited to watch her success at LR.  They made a great hire."
Sharon Baldwin, Head Women's Basketball Coach
Georgia State University