NEW LONDON, Conn. — The Connecticut College Department of Athletics announced the coaching staff for the women's basketball program on Monday afternoon.
Brett Zanardi has been named interim head coach and will lead the Camels during the 2025-26 season, and Wade McNamara will serve as assistant coach. Both are products of the Connecticut basketball scene and have strong ties within the state.
"I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be named interim head coach of the Connecticut College women's basketball program," said Zanardi. "As a staff, Wade and I look forward to leading this talented group of student-athletes as we navigate the challenges of the 2025-26 basketball season."
Zanardi is no stranger to Camel Athletics, having spent the previous three seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach at Conn. During his tenure, he helped the Camels to three straight NESCAC Championship appearances, as well as an overall record of 45-30 during the span.
Prior to joining the Camels, Zanardi spent the previous season at East Lyme High School, serving as junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant coach. He assisted varsity head coach Jeff Bernardi in leading East Lyme to its first conference tournament championship since 2003.
In addition, Zanardi coached with the Project Triple Threat (PTT) AAU program, led by Choate head coach Drew Dawson (long-time Division I assistant), who competes on the prestigious Hoop Group club circuit.
Zanardi grew up in Killingworth, CT and attended Haddam-Killingworth High School in Higganum, CT, where he graduated as the school's all-time leader in wins and assists, while garnering numerous All- State (CT) accolades. He graduated from Endicott College and currently resides in Madison, CT.
McNamara is a former Division III student-athlete who has coaching experience across collegiate, AAU, and private training settings. In addition to skill development, he will assist Zanardi with recruiting, scouting and other day-to-day aspects of the program.
McNamara most recently served as Director of Player Development and Recruiting for the Connecticut NorthStars, where he led skill development programming across all age groups and teams. He also served as an assistant coach for the United States Coast Guard Academy men's basketball program for the 2022-23 season, as well as head coach of the Connecticut Storm 7th/8th grade girls team.
A native of East Lyme, CT, McNamara was a four-year member of the men's basketball team at Union College in Schenectady, NY. In his final season he earned all-league honors, averaging a double-double of 15.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while leading the Liberty League in rebounding. He also led the Dutchmen to a conference title and the second round of the 2017 NCAA Championship.
McNamara graduated from Union with a degree in political science. He currently resides in New London, CT.
Zanardi and McNamara take over a program that finished 10-14 overall (0-10 NESCAC) a year ago. The Camels return 15 letterwinners and add three newcomers for the upcoming season.
