Women's Basketball | 8/21/2026 1:00:00 PM

NEWARK, N.J. — Rutgers University–Newark Director of Athletics Megan Haughey has announced the hiring of Alyssa Parsons as the new head coach of the Scarlet Raiders women's basketball program.

Parsons comes to Rutgers–Newark following one season as the head coach at Albright College, where she guided the Lions to a 10-15 record during the 2025-26 season. During her lone season at the helm, Albright earned a victory over Messiah University, handing the eventual MAC Commonwealth champion its only conference loss of the season. Parsons also coached two All-MAC Commonwealth guards during the 2025-26 season.

Prior to Albright, Parsons spent one season as an assistant coach at Rider University, her alma mater, where she was a three-time team captain during her playing career. She previously served as an assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she worked alongside Haughey for two seasons. During her time with the Ducks, Stevens earned an NCAA Tournament berth following the 2022-23 season. Parsons began her collegiate coaching career at Pratt Institute, starting as an assistant coach before being named interim head coach midway through the 2021-22 season.

"We are excited to welcome Alyssa as our new Head Women's Basketball coach," said Haughey. "Alyssa is a teacher of the game who is passionate about the overall student-athlete and cares for her players both on and off the court. She has a fantastic X's and O's mindset and is a diligent and aggressive recruiter, something that this program needs."

Parsons earned her bachelor's degree in finance from Rider before continuing her education at Drexel University, where she earned a master's degree in finance and later a Juris Doctor degree in business and entrepreneurship.

"I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead Rutgers-Newark Women's Basketball because it brings together the kind of work, people, and community I want to be part of," said Parsons. "This is a place where I see a strong alignment among who I am, how I want to coach, and what I want to build. Rutgers-Newark is in the middle of a city full of opportunity, and I want to contribute to that growth rather than simply coach within it."

The move to Rutgers–Newark also reunites Parsons with Haughey, who served as her head coach at Stevens and has remained an important mentor throughout her career.

"Working with Megan again is a particularly meaningful part of this opportunity," Parsons said. "Megan has been an important mentor in my career and someone who has consistently challenged me to believe in my own potential. She is a leader who advocates for her student-athletes, coaches, and university, and she has a clear vision for the future of Rutgers-Newark Athletics. I have a great deal of respect for how she leads, and I am excited to learn from her while helping move her vision forward."

At the center of Parsons' vision is a culture she describes as "coaching to the heart," emphasizing relationships, accountability and the development of the whole student-athlete.

"I want our players to feel cared for and valued but also challenged to take ownership of who they are and who they want to become," Parsons said. "We will develop the whole student-athlete academically, athletically, and personally, and we will embrace accountability, coachability, adaptability, and joy that come with that process."

"My goal is for every player to leave Rutgers-Newark as a better basketball player, a confident leader, and a resilient, successful professional prepared to make an impact long after their playing career ends," Parsons said.
Parsons will be joined by assistant coach Sam Lapszynski, graduate assistant coach Kaijhe Hall and volunteer assistants Michael Famosa and Elissa Nsenkyire. Lapszynski brings Division I playing experience at Niagara University, professional playing experience in Poland and Germany, and years of coaching experience. Hall returns to Rutgers–Newark with Division II playing experience at Assumption University, AAU experience with the New Jersey Panthers and an existing connection to the university. Famosa returns to Rutgers–Newark, bringing experience in recruiting, player development, scouting and program operations within Rutgers–Newark Women's Basketball, while Nsenkyire played for Parsons and Lapszynski at Stevens and is also a New Jersey Panthers alumna.

"I am very proud of the staff we have assembled," Parsons said. "Most importantly, all four genuinely care about the development of young women. They bring different experiences and strengths to our staff, and I know I am a better coach with them beside me."

Parsons also wants to establish a lasting connection between the program and its alumni, creating a culture that current and former Scarlet Raiders can continue to invest in.

"I also want our alumni to remain part of this story," Parsons said. "Their experiences helped shape this program, and I want them to feel that connection when they come back to campus and into the gym. We will create a program they are proud to come back to, support, and invest in, and our current players will understand that they are contributing to something that will continue beyond their own years here."

Parsons credits several people who have played meaningful roles in shaping her career, including her Aunt Kate, former Rider head coach Lynn Milligan and Jada Pierce, General Manager at the University at Albany.

"My Aunt Kate has always believed in me and pushed me to trust myself. Lynn Milligan has known me since I was 18 and continues to challenge me to make thoughtful and authentic decisions. Jada Pierce has been a trusted mentor and sounding board throughout my career, always willing to share her time and perspective."

Ultimately, Parsons' vision for Rutgers–Newark Women's Basketball extends beyond the court.

"The vision for what we are building at Rutgers-Newark Women's Basketball is clear: a program people believe in," Parsons said. "A program where our players believe in themselves and in one another; where our alumni feel connected to what they helped build and have a reason to come back; and where the university and Newark community see a team that represents them with pride."

"That is the challenge we are choosing, and we are ready for the work," Parsons said.

For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark Athletics, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date by following the Scarlet Raiders on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.