WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University is proud to announce the hiring of Alexis Foley as the new assistant coach for the women's basketball program.

"I'm extremely excited to welcome Alexis to our program. She brings tremendous experience both as a standout collegiate player and an assistant coach from a highly successful program," said head coach Courtney Shelton. 

"Her ability to connect with people, recruit at a high level, and develop players on and off the court will have an immediate impact." 

Foley joins the Cardinals after six highly successful seasons as an assistant at UW-Stout, where she helped lead the Blue Devils to consistent postseason appearances and a WIAC Conference Championship in 2022-23, their first since 2007. 

"I'm incredibly excited to be part of the strong culture that Coach Shelton has established here at Saint Mary's," said Foley. "I'm looking forward to competing in the MIAC and watching our players grow both individually and as a team."

During her tenure, UW-Stout produced 12 All-WIAC selections, three All-Defensive Team honorees, two WIAC Newcomers of the Year, and three D3hoops.com All-Region selections. The program also excelled academically under her guidance, with 77 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll recipients and five CSC Academic All-District honorees.

Prior to her time at UW-Stout, Foley served as a graduate assistant at Winona State University during the 2017-18 season, helping the Warriors to a 17-win season and an appearance in the NSIC Tournament championship.

A standout player in her own right, Foley had a decorated collegiate playing career. She played two seasons at Illinois State before transferring to Winona State, where she led the Warriors to a program-best 30-4 record, an NSIC Championship, and was named All-NSIC First Team, NSIC All-Tournament Team, All-Region Second Team, and WBCA All-American Honorable Mention.

Originally from White Bear Lake, Minn., Foley was a two-sport star in high school and a 2012 Ms. Basketball finalist as well as Ms. Soccer in Minnesota, earning multiple all-state and All-America honors.

Foley holds a bachelor's degree in secondary mathematics and a master's degree in educational leadership from Winona State University.

"Alexis is a rising star in this profession, and we're happy to have her join the Cardinal family," said Shelton.