Rachel Balzer has a new position with the Longwood Women’s Basketball team. The former Director of Basketball Operations and Player Development has been promoted to assistant coach, the school announced on Wednesday. 

In her first season at Longwood, Balzer coached two All-Big South performers while helping guide forward Otaifo Esenabhalu to a pair of Big South Freshman of the Week accolades. Additionally, Balzer coached guard Kiki McIntyre to the 20th best steals-per-game mark in NCAA Division I women’s basketball at 2.77.

“Rachel earned this promotion,” Lang-Montgomery, who is going into her third season as Longwood head coach in 2024-25, said. “She has proven to be someone our program and staff can count on. She worked very hard this season, wearing multiple hats, and executed at a high level. We are excited to see her continue to grow as an assistant coach.”

Balzer came from George Mason, where she spent four years as a member of the women’s basketball team. Her career was cut short due to injuries, but she spent her final year in Fairfax on the sidelines as a coaching intern for the Patriots.

“I’m super excited and thankful for the opportunity to continue playing a role in building the Longwood women’s basketball program,” Balzer said. “Working with Coach E is a privilege. She’s a leader and mentor who empowers those around her to learn and grow professionally. The future of this program is extremely bright.”

Lang-Montgomery will announce the rest of her coaching and support staff for the 2024-25 season in the coming days.