138-88 record in eight seasons with the Huskies
HOUGHTON, Mich. – After spending eight seasons successfully leading the Michigan Tech women’s basketball team, head coach Sam Clayton has resigned from her position to pursue a head coaching opportunity at another institution. A national search for a new women’s basketball coach will begin immediately.
“I thank Sam for her dedication, leadership, and the tremendous impact she has made on our program,” VP for Athletics Suzanne Sanregret said. “She has poured her heart into this team, and we are truly grateful for all the hard work and passion she brought every single day. While we are sad to see her go, we fully respect her decision to make the move that is best for her and her family. We wish her nothing but continued success and happiness in her next chapter. We will begin a national search immediately to identify our next head coach—someone who will continue to build on our success, elevate the program, and truly embody the values of Michigan Tech women’s basketball.”
“After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a coaching opportunity closer to home,” Clayton said. “I am incredibly grateful for my time with this program—the players, staff, administration, and community have made a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally. Ultimately, this move allows me to be closer to my family, which is something that has become increasingly important at this stage of my life. I’m thankful for the understanding and support I’ve received throughout this process. I am proud of what we’ve built here and confident that the program will continue to succeed. I wish everyone involved nothing but the best moving forward.”
Clayton was hired in May 2018 and compiled a 138-88 overall record for a .611 winning percentage. The Black and Gold also went 99-54 in the GLIAC over the span. During the 2020-21 season, Clayton was named the GLIAC Coach of the Year after winning the GLIAC North Division, the GLIAC Tournament, and advancing to the NCAA Midwest Regional Semifinal. The Huskies were 20-2 overall and 17-1 in the GLIAC. Tech also appeared in the 2023 NCAA Tournament with a 25-7 overall record and 15-3 conference mark.
Clayton coached 19 All-GLIAC selections, including seven first-team honorees. Ellie Mackay was named the GLIAC Player of the Year and WBCA All-American Honorable Mention, and Isabella Lenz was the 2022 GLIAC Freshman of the Year.
As a point guard for the Huskies from 2009-13, Clayton was a Team Captain, First Team All-GLIAC selection, and a two-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention honoree. She was a two-time Academic All-American and four-time GLIAC All-Academic Excellence team member. Clayton ranks eighth in career scoring with 1,434 points and also ranks in the top 10 in games played, three-point percentage, free throw percentage, and assists.
