July 10, 2008
PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University head women's basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio has named Pittsburgh native and Duquesne graduate Carmen Bruce assistant coach.
Bruce, who was a star guard for the Dukes for two seasons (2006 & 2007), returns to the hardwood after spending a year as a graduate student in the Duquesne athletics marketing department. She finished her career with 921 points and is ninth all-time in DU history with 290 assists.
"I am very excited to have Carmen as part of our staff. It is tremendous to have a former Duquesne player join us," said McConnell-Serio. "Carmen is passionate about the game and will be a great addition to our staff. She relates well to the team and will also bring a player's perspective to the game."
A standout small forward at Pittsburgh Schenley High School, Bruce led the Spartans to an 84-30 record and three City League Championships while scoring 2,175 points, second all-time in City League history. She was named Pittsburgh City League Player of the Year each of her four years with Schenley and was a second team Pennsylvania All-State pick as well as an AP Big School All-State second team selection. She was named the 2002 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Female Athlete of the Year and was named to its Fabulous Five team. Bruce was also a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 10 selection.
Bruce began her collegiate career at Georgetown, where she averaged 7.4 ppg for the Hoyas. She spent the 2003 and 2004 seasons at GU before transferring to Duquesne.
"This is a wonderful opportunity," said Bruce. "I have always had a lot of respect and admiration for Suzie McConnell-Serio and what she has done for women's basketball in general, and now with what she has done for the women's basketball program here at Duquesne. I am proud to join such a hard-working group of individuals and look forward to the challenges ahead."
CARMEN BRUCE FILE
Birthdate: July 10, 1984
Age: 24
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Schenley
College: Duquesne (`07)
Degree: Sports marketing
