May 14, 2008

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Head women's basketball coach Wendell Hudson announced today the hiring of Heather Mesalam as the Director of Basketball Operations. With the hiring of Mesalam, Hudson has rounded out his staff for the upcoming season.

"We are excited to have Heather join the staff and take on a larger role in the Alabama basketball family," Hudson said. "Heather demonstrated all the qualities necessary to flourish in this position and I am glad that she will be a part of the new direction of the program."

Mesalam recently graduated from the Capstone with a degree in Marketing. The Indianapolis, Ind. native spent four seasons as a manager for Mark Gottfried and the Alabama men's basketball team. Mesalam became the first female manager for the men's squad and was the head manager the last two seasons.

"Heather did an outstanding job in our program," Gottfried said. "She's a tireless worker and she's tremendously responsible. I think she will be a very good asset to the women's basketball program."

While a manager Mesalam supervised five other managers and assisted in practice and supervised on and offseason workouts along with other duties. She also served as the coordinator for Bama Hoops Basketball Camp.