Jenna McLaughlin Continues Basketball Career as Coach

By Patrick McCormack

Former Molloy guard Jenna McLaughlin has continued her basketball career, but it is in a different capacity. McLaughlin is now an assistant coach for Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

McLaughlin credits her time as a player at Molloy as a big help in her growth as a coach. “I had a great experience playing basketball at Molloy,” McLaughlin said. “I have translated much that I learned as a player into being a coach. At Molloy, I learned what it takes to be resilient, focused and committed. Coach O'Hagan did an excellent job maximizing the talent on our team and getting us to buy into his system of basketball. He set a great example for me with his superior knowledge of the game and more importantly, his will to win.”

McLaughlin is the assistant to head coach Ed Swanson at Sacred Heart. This year, the Pioneers are tied for third place in the NEC. McLaughlin has enjoyed every moment of it. “Coaching at Sacred Heart has been great,” she said. “I work under a wonderful staff. Coach Swanson along with the two other assistants have really taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes. Division I is an intense and fun atmosphere. My team is very talented and we are going into the final stretch of conference games in a good position. Hopefully we can make a run at the conference championship.”

McLaughlin had a great career at Molloy, averaging 4.3 points, 2.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and one steal per game. After spending two years at Loyola-Maryland, McLaughlin transferred to Molloy. She played three years with the Lions, and was a member of the team that won two ECC championships. Along with her success on the hardwood, she had success in the classroom making the dean’s list every semester.

McLaughlin reflected on her Molloy career. “Winning two ECC championships at Molloy is a very special part of my basketball career,” she said. “Those moments when the buzzer rang were a culmination of months and years of hard work. I was a part of a group of girls, along with a great coaching staff, that was extremely determined and talented. I am so proud of the two championships and will never forget those years. It's those memories and emotions that come within college basketball that can never be matched.”

Molloy coach Tim O’Hagan enjoyed coaching McLaughlin. “Jenna was a real hard worker,” O’Hagan said. “I knew the moment I saw her play at Carle Place High School. After having the chance to coach her for three years, I knew she was going to be a coach. She just understands the game better than most people and she is going to be a great one.”