UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ANNOUNCES THREE NEW STAFF HIRES
Peggy Smith, Brandon Morrison, Kelli Thompson new additions to Lady Rebel family
UNLV has added three to its women’s basketball staff, Lady Rebel head coach Kathy Olivier announced on Wednesday. Peggy Smith will be assistant coach, Brandon Morrison will be the team’s video coordinator, while former Lady Rebel standout Kelli Thompson returns to UNLV in charge of managerial operations.
Smith graduated from Appalachian State in May with a degree in communications after playing for the Mountaineers during the 2013-14 season. She retired from her playing career due to injuries, but was involved with the ASU athletic department her final year in Boone, working with the ASU IMG Sports Network while also completing an internship with the “David Glen Show” in Raleigh in the spring of 2016. A native of Florida, Smith spent a year at Troy and played one season at Florida Tech before transferring to ASU.
“Coach P has great enthusiasm and wants to do everything she possibly can to help the program,” said Olivier. “She loves that she’s part of UNLV Lady Rebel basketball, and we’re lucky to have her as part of our staff.”
Morrison is a familiar face around the Lady Rebel program, as he spent four years as a practice player for the team while earning his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the school in May. He is also currently working on his master’s degree from the University of Miami while working in his role as the team’s video coordinator.
“Brandon has always wanted to see our women’s basketball team be successful,” said Olivier., “He’s going to be another great asset for us.”
The final addition, Thompson, finished her career at UNLV in 2013 as the third-leading scorer in school history with 1,840 points. The three-time All-Mountain West selection and league scoring champion in 2012-13, she has played overseas in Iceland and Turkey the past three years before making her return to Las Vegas. Her duties on the Lady Rebel staff will include overseeing the managers for the team, assisting with special projects and helping within other areas with the program while completing her undergraduate degree.
“Kelli is probably one of the top players I’ve coached here at UNLV,” said Olivier. “Her being back on campus and finishing up her degree is just a big bonus for the women’s basketball program. With her knowledge of the Mountain West and our coaching staff, it’s just a big plus to have her around.”