Duquesne hires former City League star as women's basketball assistant coach

Pittsburgh native Michaela Porter has been added to the women’s basketball staff at Duquesne University, the school announced Thursday, her first time serving in an assistant’s role.

She is the daughter of former Duquesne men’s coach and ex-Pitt star Darelle Porter, who led the Dukes for three seasons from 1998-2001.

“My transition has been great so far, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow and spread my knowledge to the girls,” Michaela Porter said.

As a college senior in 2020-21 at Appalachian State, she led the Sun Belt Conference with an average of 2.3 steals per game before playing professionally for four seasons combined in Finland, Iceland, Mexico, Mongolia and Portugal.

Porter was voted Pittsburgh City League Player of the Year in girls basketball in 2016 at Obama Academy, where she averaged 15.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.2 assists during a four-year career that saw the Eagles win four consecutive PIAA District 8 championships.

“We expect Michaela to mentor our young women on the court with her proven playing abilities at both the guard and post positions,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt said. “Her knowledge of the game is strong and her teaching style has the admiration of our players in a short time.”

Duquesne returns eight letter winners, including standout sophomore guards Mackenzie Blackford, Nadia Moore and Faith Walker, from a team that posted an overall record of 21-13 (9-9 Atlantic 10) to earn an at-large bid to the Women’s NIT for a second consecutive season.