Eastside Catholic is delighted to announce the appointment of Darnellia Russell as the program director and head coach of our girls basketball program.

Coach Russell is a prominent figure in the Seattle basketball community, renowned for her exceptional coaching acumen and unwavering dedication to the sport. As a 5-foot-6 guard during high school, Russell showcased her great talent, leading the Roosevelt Roughriders team to victory in the 2004 State 4A High School Championship. Her passion for the game continued as she played at North Seattle Community College, where she was named the conference's northern region MVP for two consecutive seasons.

Transitioning from a successful playing career, Coach Russell coached for several years at the junior college level in the Seattle area. Most recently, Coach Russell has made significant contributions within the AAU circuit for Seattle Rotary, shaping the skills and future of young athletes.

Coach Russell's high school experience is featured in the 2005 sports documentary film, "The Heart of the Game," which centers around the Roosevelt Roughriders girls basketball team and her personal story. Her experiences, both on and off the court, have played an integral part in shaping her into the exceptional coach she is today.

Athletic Director Stacey Stoutt expressed her enthusiasm, "Coach Russell’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a winning culture while holding athletes accountable and building character aligns perfectly with the values and aspirations of our program. She emphasizes the importance of fundamental skill development, teamwork and character building while instilling in her players a strong work ethic and a passion for the game. "

Coach Russell shared her excitement about the new role, "I am honored to have the opportunity to work with this team and program and I can't wait to get to work."

We warmly welcome Coach Russell to the EC community. We are confident that her expertise and passion for the sport will elevate the program to new heights and positively influence the young student-athletes under her guidance.