PEORIA, Ill. – Boston College has announced the hiring of Kate Popovec-Goss as its new head women’s basketball coach. Popovec-Goss had just led the Bradley women’s basketball program to its first 20 win season in six years.
This season’s Braves, the fourth under Popovec-Goss’ direction, ended with a 20-13 record and the program’s first-ever appearance in the WNIT. It was Bradley’s first-ever appearance in the WNIT and first postseason appearance since the first round of the NCAA tournament in 2021.
Their 13-7 Missouri Valley Conference record was good for a three-way tie for third place, tying the highest conference finish for the program and tied the most conference wins in program history.
Popovec-Goss rebuilt the Bradley women’s program from a 4-28 record her first season. She will face a similar challenge in her new position at Boston College. The Eagles finished this past season 5-26, 1-17 in the ACC.
Popovec-Goss came to the Hilltop prior to the 2022-23 season after five seasons on the staff at Northwestern University. She rose through the coaching ranks at her alma mater first as an assistant coach, then recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator and associate head coach prior to her stint at Bradley. She also had coaching positions at LaSalle and Colgate.
“I am incredibly honored to be named the head coach at Boston College, one of the most presitigious institutions in the country, in one of the best cities in the nation,” Popovec-Goss said in a Boston College news release. “This is a special opportunity, and I’m excited to build a program that reflects the excellence, integrity, and tradition that define BC. It is evident that BC believes in building a championship experience both on the court and off of it, which aligns with my mission as coach.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the impact Kate has had on our women’s basketball program,” Bradley Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds said in a Bradley news release. “Her leadership and passion are clearly evident in everything she does, and we are in a stronger position for continued success. We thank Kate for all she has accomplished at Bradley and wish her and her family the very best in this next chapter at Boston College.”
Popovec-Goss replaces Joanna Bernabei-McNamee, whose contract was not renewed after eight seasons and an overall record of 113-132, including 43-94 in the ACC.
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