Salt Lake City, UT - Westminster women's basketball team has added Marquessa Gilson as an assistant coach, it was announced today by Griffin's head coach Asami Morita.

"Marquessa is a tremendous addition to our program. She brings a wealth of experience from coaching at various levels. Her passion for basketball and developing student athletes on and off the court will make immediate impact on our program," Morita said.

A native of Utah, Gilson is excited to return to her home state and coach in her hometown, where her love for the game first began. Gilson brings a well-rounded background in player development, leadership, and competitive success across the junior college and NCAA levels.

Prior to Westminster, Gilson was an assistant coach at Adams State University and served as head coach at Pierce College in Washington, where she led the program to back-to-back NWAC Tournament appearances. She also played a key role in Lower Columbia College's 2022 NWAC Championship run as an assistant coach.

A former collegiate athlete, Gilson began her career as a two-year starter at BYU-Hawaii before transferring to Colorado Mesa University. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology Education with a Coaching minor from Weber State University, and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

Gilson's coaching philosophy is rooted in relationships, accountability, and purpose. She emphasizes basketball IQ and skill development while preparing her athletes to lead with confidence in life beyond the game. Her mission is to use sport as a vehicle for growth, creating space for young women to thrive in every aspect of their lives.