New Transy women’s basketball head coach goes from the boardroom to the baseline

LEXINGTON, KY (WTVQ)- Hannah Varel’s path to leading Transylvania’s record-breaking women’s basketball team is no ordinary feat.

Transy’s eighth head coach since 1968 did not play college basketball, has only been a college coach for six years and was once crunching numbers as an accountant.

The former Pricewaterhouse Cooper senior associate joined Juli Fulks’ coaching staff in 2020 as an assistant and was elevated to associate head coach before this past season.

“I feel grateful that I get to follow my dream and passion everyday,” said Varel.

Boardroom to Baseline

After she left her role with PwC, Varel went to fellow Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference team Hanover where she spent two seasons as an assistant before coming to Lexington.

Since her arrival in the Bluegrass, Varel has been key in Transy’s success as the team won the 2023 National Championship and went 64-games unbeaten.

Credit- TU Athletics

Varel describes her rise to the top of one of college basketball’s most recently successful teams as “bizarre,” but knows her journey can inspire her players.

“Hopefully that shows my student-athletes that following your dream is a reality and something you can do,” said Varel. “I think changing from something that was very comfortable and static for me will help me navigate this change.”

New Era Same Style

Big shoes to fill have been left by Fulks, who departed to be the head coach of Marshall’s women’s basketball team earlier this month.

Varel’s former boss lead a team that relied on player development, team defense and analytics to be successful. All of those trademarks are staying put as Varel says her goals are to chase championships.

“I have fully bought into the numbers and analytics. I think winning a national championship, going to three Elite Eights and two Final Fours has fully proven that the math works. Our entire team has bought into that too,” said Varel.