Coleman, Allison

No one could have predicted the success Allison Coleman would earn when she began playing basketball in third grade in the Griswold, CT recreation department. Encouraged by her family and coaching staff, Allison led her Griswold High School team to QVC Conference Championships in 1998, 1999, and 2000. She was named to the QVC First Team in1999and 2000, the Conference Player of the Year and an All-State selection in 2000. Allison completed her high school career as a guard/forward averaging 10.65 points and 7.75 rebounds per game, scored 820 total points, dished out 184 assists, and recorded 297 steals. However, the best in Allison’s basketball career was yet to come.

After graduation, Allison attended Eastern Connecticut State University where she compiled one of the most impressive basketball careers ECSU had ever seen. Coach Denise Bierly’s Eastern teams compiled a 101-17 record during Allison’s four years -- the school’s best-ever four-year composite record, equating to an 85.6% winning percentage. She was the first-ever four-time Kodak All-American in NCAA Division III history. Allison earned New England Player of the Year and Little East Conference Player of the Year honors all four years. She was the 2001 Little East Conference Rookie of the Year.

Allison is the only player in ECSU history with 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She averaged 17.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, and amassed 1991 total points, 579 assists, and 369 steals. She holds the school record for triple doubles with seven, and has a game record of 14 assists and 11 steals. Allison was a vital part in leading ECSU to the 2003 Division III National Runner-Up, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Allison describes that experience as her fondest basketball memory.

Allison feels that the game of basketball “has always been more than a sport” to her. She has met great people throughout her career. Allison graduated from ECSU in 2004 with a degree in Sports and Leisure Management, and currently works as a Physical and Wellness Director at the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut.