Besancon takes reins of COW women’s hoops program

Olivia Besancon, a Wayne County standout who helped Smithville High School to two state semifinal appearances, was recently named head women’s basketball coach at The College of Wooster. Besancon started at Wooster on Aug. 26.

“I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead The College of Wooster’s women’s basketball program,” Besancon said. “I want to thank (Wooster Athletic Director) Lynn Holleran, (Assistant Athletic Director) Libby Ladrach and the entire search committee for giving me this opportunity. It was clear during the interview process how much passion and enthusiasm runs across the department and campus. I am eager to get to work with the student-athletes and continue growing the program on and off the court.”

“I am excited to welcome Olivia to the college,” Holleran said. “Olivia’s wide range of experiences spanning coaching, operations, fundraising and community involvement will significantly enhance our student-athlete experience and elevate our department as a whole. Having a coach deeply connected to our immediate area adds value as we work to expand our impact with the Wooster community.”

Besancon brings six years of collegiate coaching experience to Wooster including four as an NCAA Division III assistant. Most recently, Besancon spent three seasons at Muskingum University. Besancon was heavily involved with the Fighting Muskies’ recruiting, game preparations, travel logistics and game strategy.

At Muskingum, Besancon helped lead a robust community service program, was active with team fundraising efforts and conducted academic progress checks with team members. Outside of coaching Besancon served as the gameday operations manager for home men’s and women’s lacrosse games, was the adviser for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a physical education instructor.

Prior to Muskingum, Besancon was an assistant coach at Heidelberg University and started her coaching career at Malone University as a graduate assistant. Besancon’s lead duties with both Heidelberg and Malone centered on recruiting, game preparations, travel logistics and game strategy.

As a player Besancon was a second-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection as a senior at Muskingum. The four-year starter and three-year captain was a 1,000-point scorer for the Fighting Muskies. In high school Besancon helped Smithville to three Wayne County Athletic League championships and was part of a program that went 95-9.

Besancon earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from Muskingum and an MBA from Malone.