Jon Plefka Takes Helm as UMass Lowell Women’s Basketball Head Coach
UMass Lowell has officially announced Jon Plefka as the 10th head coach for its women’s basketball program, a decision revealed by Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts on Friday. Plefka joins the River Hawks following a successful tenure as an assistant coach with the Stony Brook women’s basketball team.
Commitment to Excellence and Growth
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon Plefka to UMass Lowell,” stated Coutts. “His impressive coaching background is complemented by a commitment to academic excellence and integrity, aligning perfectly with our department’s mission. I am confident that Coach Plefka will usher in a new era of success for our women’s basketball program.”
Plefka’s formal introduction to the media and community is scheduled for a press conference on Monday, April 28, at 11 a.m.
Vision for the Program
According to Coutts, the search for a head coach focused on finding a high-character leader with proven success and a deep understanding of the America East Conference’s unique dynamics. “Jon Plefka exemplifies those qualities,” she added, highlighting his track record of consistent results, strong recruiting skills, and valuable experience required to elevate the program.
Track Record of Success
Plefka contributed significantly to the Stony Brook program during the 2024-25 season, involved in both scouting and player development. He played a critical role in developing players, including two Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) All-Conference guards, while also acting as the team’s academic and external relations liaison.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the head coach of UMass Lowell women’s basketball,” Plefka commented. “After meeting with the administration and witnessing their passion for this university, it was clear that this is a unique opportunity. I look forward to establishing a culture of excellence, accountability, and growth,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to fostering success on the court, in the classroom, and within the community.
Previous Coaching Experience
Before joining Stony Brook, Plefka served as head coach for Division II programs for seven seasons. Most notably, during the 2023-24 season, he led Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) to its first home Gulf South Conference (GSC) postseason game and semifinal appearance, finishing with a program-best 20-10 record.
His prior position at Post University saw him achieve an overall record of 84-55, guiding the team to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Championship title game and securing three North Division Regular-Season Championships. Before becoming head coach, he assisted under WNBA champion Taj McWilliams-Franklin, mentoring the Eagles to their best-ever win totals.
Academic Achievements and Personal Background
Plefka has consistently emphasized academic success, as his teams maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout his tenure at Post. He was also selected as a member of the inaugural Next Generation Institute of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
A New Britain, Connecticut native, Plefka played collegiate basketball at Texas Tech in the Big 12, graduating cum laude in 2007 with a degree in human development and family studies. He and his wife, Elizabeth—an athlete herself who played basketball at Drexel University and Flagler College—welcomed twins in September 2024.
