HICKORY, N.C. — Lenoir-Rhyne Vice President for Athletics Daron Montgomery has announced the hiring of Emry Tsitouris as the next head coach of the Bears women’s basketball program. Tsitouris, the 14th coach in program history, joins LR following a transformational three-year tenure as the head coach at Mars Hill University, where she orchestrated one of the most impressive program rebuilds in the South Atlantic Conference.
“We are excited to welcome Emry to the Bears family,” said Montgomery. “Emry is a dynamic leader who brings a proven track record of program and relationship-building, talent development, and competitive excellence. She has a clear vision and contagious energy that will elevate our program and student-athlete experience. Her success in the SAC, paired with her commitment to developing the character of young women through the sport of basketball, makes her an outstanding fit for LR.”
Tsitouris comes to Hickory after leading Mars Hill to a 17-12 overall record and a 14-10 SAC mark in 2024-25—the program’s best season since 2010-11. A one-win team prior to her first season at the helm, she guided the Lions to a SAC Tournament berth for the first time since 2015-16 and was ranked in the Southeast Region D2 CSC poll for the first time in over a decade. Mars Hill led the league in rebound margin (+7.4) and offensive rebounds per game (14.9), while also setting program records for home wins (13-2) and made field goals in a single game (45). Nationally, Tsitouris was named D2 National Coach of the Week by WHoopDirt/FBPlayBook and guided the team to South Atlantic Conference Team of the Week honors for a third straight season.
“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to Daron Montgomery, President Dr. Whitt, and the entire search committee for trusting me to lead the Lenoir-Rhyne women’s basketball program,” said Tsitouris. “This is a special opportunity to build a culture rooted in hard work, belief, and purpose — while helping shape young women into confident leaders on and off the court. I’m excited to join a university and athletic department with a proud tradition of excellence and a winning culture. I’m truly humbled to be part of the Bears family, and I can’t wait to get to campus and fully embrace all that Lenoir-Rhyne and the Hickory community have to offer.”
Prior to Mars Hill, Tsitouris spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Catawba College, helping the program reach the NCAA Division II Semifinals and earn back-to-back national tournament appearances. She also served as a graduate assistant at Wingate University, contributing to an NCAA tournament run while developing multiple All-Conference players.
A former collegiate standout, Tsitouris began her playing career at USC Aiken—where she was named Peach Belt Freshman of the Year—before completing her career at Belmont Abbey as a Conference Carolinas All-Conference honoree. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Management and a master’s in Sport Management.