PEMBROKE – Head women's basketball coach Dr. Kendra Samuels-Eaton polished off her coaching staff for the 2025-26 season on Friday with the additions of Stella Mollica and Chris Stanley. 
 
Both Mollica and Stanley will serve as graduate assistant coaches. 
 
"We are so grateful for having Stella and Chris join our staff this year," said Samuels-Eaton. "Having Stella continuing to be part of this program was a homerun for us. She understands our culture and what it takes to be a part of it. She will be a great mentor for our newcomers as well as our returners."
 
A native of Mohnton, Pa., Mollica transitions to the sidelines as a coach following a senior season with the Black & Gold where she started in all 31 games. Mollica averaged 35.5 minutes, 8.7 points and 5.6 assists per game. She became the program's single season assist leader with 173 and broke the single game assists record with 13 against Fayetteville State. The 2024-25 UNC Pembroke Female Newcomer of the Year, Mollica ranked first in Conference Carolinas for total number of assists and assists per game. Mollica also ranked seventh nationally in total assists and ninth nationally in assists per game.
 
An aspiring coach, Stanley treks to Pembroke after receiving his bachelor's degree in recreation and sport management from North Carolina A&T in December 2024. Stanley served as a student administrative assistant for the Aggies for two seasons as well as a practice player. He has gained valuable experience from working as an assistant coach for multiple different youth teams. 
 
"Chris comes from spending his undergrad at North Carolina A&T and working with a great women's basketball program there," said Samuels-Eaton. "He will bring experience, hard work, and dedication to our staff. We look forward to seeing the great things Stella and Chris will bring to this university and program."