WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University head women's basketball coach Melissa Smeltzer-Kraft announced Tuesday the return of a familiar face to the Hornets bench, with Elsebeth Birman rejoining the program as an assistant coach.
Birman, who previously served on the Hornets staff from 2016 to 2022, helped lead the program to two Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) championships in 2018-19 and 2021-22. She returns to Winchester with a renewed focus on player development and a deep understanding of the program's culture and goals.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Elsebeth back to our coaching staff," said Smeltzer-Kraft. "Her experience, leadership, and passion for helping student-athletes grow both on and off the court align perfectly with where we are headed. She played a huge role in some of the most successful years in program history, and I know she'll continue to make an impact as we build toward more championships."
Since her previous tenure with the Hornets, Birman has continued her work in player development through Hoops Through Life, LLC—a company she founded to prepare female basketball student-athletes for success at the next level. Her approach emphasizes holistic growth, combining mental training, physical development, and strategic guidance through the recruiting and transition process.
"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to be named the director of player development for the Shenandoah University women's basketball team," Birman said. "The vision and mission of SU align closely with my commitment to building a team culture that prepares our student-athletes for success on and off the court. This program has a solid foundation, and I look forward to helping lead this incredible group of young women as we pursue growth, excellence, and success together."
Birman brings a wealth of coaching experience, including time as a graduate assistant at the University of the Sciences, grassroots AAU coaching, and a background in occupational therapy that supports her comprehensive approach to student-athlete development.
She rejoins a program eager to return to the top of the ODAC, where her experience and focus on player development will play a key role in building future success
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