Marquessa Gilson named Head Women's Basketball Coach

Lakewood, WA – Pierce College Athletics is pleased to announce that Marquessa Gilson has been named the new head coach for the Raiders' Women's Basketball program.

Gilson joins the Raiders after a three-year stint as the assistant women's basketball coach at Lower Columbia College.  The Red Devils just recently won the 2022 NWAC Championship, after going undefeated in West Region play (12-0), and finishing 26-1 on the season.  LCC head coach, Lucas Myers, shared this about Marquessa – "Coach Gilson has been outstanding at assessing and developing skills in our players.  She has a very strong emphasis on the defensive side of the game, and continues to grow her knowledge and application of offensive strategies and in-game tactics.  She is definitely ready for this opportunity."  This past year she has also served as the Assistant to the Athletic Director at LCC, as well as being an adjunct faculty member.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Gilson was a 3-sport athlete in high school, where she starred in basketball, volleyball, and track & field.  In her senior season, she led the state in steals, was in the top 10 in assists and rebounds, and was named to the Utah 4A All-State Team.  Gilson signed a national letter of intent to play for BYU-Hawaii, where she was a starter for two years.  Following her sophomore season, she transferred to Colorado-Mesa University to finish her college playing career.  Gilson earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Weber State University, and just recently completed her Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

"I feel honored and very grateful to be the next head coach at Pierce College," said Gilson.  "I would like to thank Duncan Stevenson and the entire hiring committee for the opportunity to lead this team.  Basketball is a passion for me. I am excited to bring that passion to Pierce to help influence young women not just on the court but off the court in this community. I can't wait to get started. Go Raiders!"

"We are excited to have Marquessa join the Raider Family and take over the reins of the women's basketball program," said athletic director, Duncan Stevenson.  "With her playing and coaching experience, she brings a passion and knowledge of the game that brings a new level of excitement to Raider Basketball."

Prior to her time at Lower Columbia, Gilson coached for two years at Cyprus High School, in Magna, Utah.  This past year she was on the staff at Highlander Hoops Club, a youth basketball program in Kelso, WA.