Carla Berube

Carla Berube is an American college basketball coach and former player, currently the head coach of the Princeton Tigers. A standout small forward for the University of Connecticut, she was a key member of the program's first two NCAA Championship teams under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. Following her playing career, Berube transitioned to coaching, building a highly successful tenure at Tufts University before taking over at Princeton University.

Early life and education

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Berube was a multi-sport star at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, excelling in basketball, soccer, and softball. She led the Tabor basketball team to a NEPSAC Class A championship and was named a Parade All-American. Berube chose to attend the University of Connecticut, where she played for the Huskies from 1993 to 1997, graduating with a degree in psychology.

Playing career

Berube was a defensive stalwart and versatile contributor for Geno Auriemma's rising Connecticut program. She played alongside future Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductees like Rebecca Lobo and Jennifer Rizzotti. Berube was instrumental in the Huskies' undefeated 1994–95 season that culminated in the program's first national title, a victory over the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. The following season, she helped secure a second consecutive championship. In her senior year, Berube's leadership and all-around play were recognized with the prestigious Wade Trophy, awarded to the nation's top player. She finished her collegiate career with over 1,300 points and was part of teams that compiled a remarkable 132–8 record.

Coaching career

After playing professionally briefly in Sweden and working in the financial services sector, Berube began her coaching career as an assistant at Providence College. In 2002, she was named head coach at Tufts University, a Division III program in the NESCAC. Over 17 seasons, she transformed the Tufts Jumbos into a national powerhouse, compiling a 384–96 record. Her 2012–13 team won the NCAA Division III national championship, and she earned WBCA Division III National Coach of the Year honors. Berube led Tufts to six NCAA Final Four appearances. In 2019, she was hired as head coach at Princeton University, succeeding Courtney Banghart. She quickly continued the Tigers' success in the Ivy League, winning multiple conference championships and securing bids to the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament.

Head coaching record

Berube's collegiate head coaching record reflects consistent excellence. At Tufts University, her teams never had a losing season and regularly finished atop the NESCAC standings. Her overall win percentage at Tufts ranks among the best in NCAA Division III history. Since taking over at Princeton University, she has maintained the program's dominance of the Ivy League, regularly competing in the NCAA tournament. Her career record across both levels demonstrates a proven ability to build winning programs and develop student-athletes.

Personal life

Berube is married and has children. She is widely respected for her leadership, integrity, and commitment to the holistic development of her players, principles instilled during her time as a player under Geno Auriemma at the University of Connecticut. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes tenacious defense, a hallmark of her own playing career and her successful teams at both Tufts University and Princeton University.

Category:1975 births Category:Living people Category:American women's basketball coaches Category:UConn Huskies women's basketball players Category:Princeton Tigers women's basketball coaches