ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany women's basketball program and head coach Kelly Morrone have announced the hiring of Denise King, Tuesday.
 
A coach with over 20 years of collegiate experience, King will join the Great Danes' staff as the Assistant Coach/Director of Leadership & Player Development.
 
"Denise is adding an exceptional level of basketball leadership, experience, and compassion to our sideline," said Coach Morrone. "What has always stood out to me about her is her commitment to developing the whole person. She teaches with an authenticity that helps her athletes grow with confidence both on and off the court. Her passion for the game and mentorship will have an immediate impact on our culture and on the young women in our program."
 
King's most recent stop came during the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach at Rider University. As the Academic Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator, she coached an All-MAAC Defensive Team member and two All-Academic Team selections.
 
Prior to Rider, she spent seven years at UMass Lowell, including four seasons at the helm. During her time with the River Hawks, she coached four America East (AE) All-Rookie Team selections, two AE All-Defensive Team honorees, and a Third Team All-Conference award winner. In addition to postseason accolades, one of her players ranked in the nation's top 25 in steals. 
 
Before taking over the UML program, she served as the Recruiting Coordinator for three years. During her time as an assistant coach, the River Hawks saw unprecedented growth, including back-to-back winning seasons and two consecutive America East semifinal appearances. The team set a program record with 16 total wins during the 2019-20 season and put together a record seven-game win streak in America East play and earned its first-ever home playoff game. 
 
As the Recruiting Coordinator, she recruited and coached five all-conference student-athletes (one first team, two second team, and two third team) with two All-Defensive Team, one All-Academic Team, and one All-Rookie Team honorees.
 
King started her coaching career at her alma mater, Rhode Island, where she spent four seasons before moving on to Mount St. Mary's (2009-13), Hofstra (2013-18), and eventually UMass Lowell.
 
As a player for URI, King was one of only 18 student-athletes to reach the 1,000-point milestone with the Rams and sits 15th on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,023 points. She is also fourth in Rhode Island history with 118 three-pointers, 339 assists, and a .772 free throw percentage. 
 
King earned her bachelor's degree in business management from URI in 2004, graduating cum laude. While a Ram, she was a member of three honor societies: the Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Sigma, and Omicron Delta Kappa. She also won the Speaker of the House of Representatives' Scholar Athlete Award for the State of Rhode Island from 2002-04.
 
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