Athletics

McAuley  has hired Keisha Newell as head basketball coach and assistant athletic director. Newell joins McAuley from Roosevelt University where she was head basketball coach. She begins at McAuley on June 3.

“We are excited to have Keisha as our new basketball coach and assistant athletic director,” said Laurie Jakubczak, McAuley athletic director. “She will continue to develop the great program that Ashley has built. Being a former player of Ashley’s she understands the hard work and dedication that it takes to develop outstanding student athletes."

“There is such a great culture at McAuley, and an energy and excitement that surrounds the school and the athletic program,” said Newell. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and I’m proud to become a part of it.”

Newell takes over for Ashley Clanton, who guided the Mighty Macs for the last seven seasons, most recently to the 2019 IHSA championship, where the team finished second in the state. Clanton has accepted a coaching position out of state.

“It’s all come full circle for me,” said Newell. “Ashley was an amazing mentor as my coach at Loyola. She’s a super competitor and I’m excited to continue her work with the McAuley program. I think she’ll be a great resource for me as well.”

At Roosevelt, Newell set a record for the school with the most wins by a women’s basketball team since 2013-2014. She departs Roosevelt with a record of 59-62, including 16-14 this past season. Prior to joining the Roosevelt athletic department, Newell worked as the student athletic recruiter in undergraduate admissions at North Park University.  

During undergrad at Loyola University Chicago, Newell played point guard for the Ramblers. Following her 2010 graduation, she worked as director of operations for the Loyola women’s basketball program. One year later, she became the assistant women’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator.

In 2018, Newell earned a master’s degree in organization development from Roosevelt University. She is a graduate of Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights.