Women's Basketball

July 17, 2010

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State women's basketball head coach Suzy Merchant announced the resignation of Rick Albro today, as the three-year assistant coach was named athletic director of Northview High School in Grand Rapids, Mich.

"We are disappointed to lose Rick on our staff, as he has played a vital role in our success at MSU," said Merchant. "However, we know it has been challenging over the course of several years to be away from family as he has pursued opportunities to coach at the Division I level. He has tremendous work ethic, and knowledge and passion for the game of basketball that made an impact on our program daily.

"Northview, without question, is gaining a first class individual and we are happy for Rick as he can now blend his personal and professional goals at this point this point in his life. He will be truly missed."

Albro played an integral role in the success of the MSU post play, including the development of All-American Allyssa DeHaan. DeHaan ended her career second all-time in NCAA history in blocked shots, and among the top-5 in MSU history in both points and rebounds. In addition, Albro was the academic liaison on the staff, and assisted with opponent scouting and game planning.

"I would like to thank Coach Merchant for the opportunity to have been a part of her staff at MSU," said Albro. "The last three years have been an experience I will always treasure. I will miss `Team MSU' and the many wonderful people I have the good fortune to meet and work with."

Prior to arriving at MSU, Albro spent one season as the head boys' varsity coach at Grandville High School in Grand Rapids, after three years as the top men's assistant at Cleveland State University from 2003-06. Prior to Cleveland State, Albro served as the head men's coach at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, from 1990-2003, where he is still the winningest coach in school history. Before heading across town to coach at Aquinas College, he coached at East Grand Rapids High School for 13 seasons, leading the boys' varsity team from 1978-90 while also coaching the girls' varsity team three seasons (1983, 1987, 1988).

Albro's coaching career began at St. Charles (Mich.) High School, where he served as the head golf coach and JV basketball coach for three years and the athletic director for two years. He then moved on to Marlette (Mich.) High School, coaching the boys' varsity basketball team from 1974-78 in addition to being the athletic director for three years.

Albro graduated from Western Michigan in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He earned his master's degree in education administration from Central Michigan in 1985.

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