Ute Otley

"Norwich celebrates student-athletes and encourages them to pursue excellence on the court as well as in the classroom and in the Corps. Teamwork is an important aspect of the culture at Norwich, and everyone wins when our athletes are experiencing success."

One of the most well-known names in women’s basketball in the state of Vermont is now one of the newest coaches at Norwich University.

Under Coach Otley’s unparalleled guidance, the team radiates the exceptional Norwich spirit – dedication, hard work, belief in something bigger than yourself, and aggressively meeting every challenge with unshakeable determination and confidence. Otley’s coaching journey has been marked by resounding success and now looks to help the Cadets reach those same levels of accomplishment.

Coach Highlights

• Six-time Vermont Basketball Coaches Association (VBCA) Coach of the Year with an outstanding .940 winning percentage (270-17).
• Led teams to eight Vermont state championships in 13 seasons, setting a state record with 96 consecutive wins.
• Coached four Vermont Gatorade Players of the Year, including Norwich assistant coach Emily Kinneston, who later became Patriot League Player of the Year at American University.

A Championship Mindset Built on Experience

• Two-time All-Ivy honoree and Ivy League Rookie of the Year at Dartmouth College.
• Ranked third all-time in assists (399) and sixth in steals (201) in Dartmouth history.
• Helped lead Dartmouth to four Ivy League Championships, competing in 103 career games.

Endorsement from Norwich Leadership

"I have long been an admirer of Ute as a coach, and as a mentor and role model for young women. She is not only a proven winner, but she has an amazing combination of coaching experience, competitive desire, basketball knowledge and perspective on her role in helping to develop players on and off the court," said Director of Athletics Ed Hockenbury.

Q&A with Head Coach Otley

What brought you to becoming a coach for your sport?

Aside from my parents, my basketball coaches were the most influential adults in my childhood. I was lucky to be blessed with great coaches at all stages of my playing career, and I wanted to take all I had learned from them and pass it on.

What excites you about this sport?

Women's basketball is enjoying a moment nationally, which is great to see. But what excites me most about basketball hasn't changed. Played properly, basketball is the ultimate team sport, where five individuals can overcome a stronger, taller, more athletic opponent by playing hard, playing smart and playing together.

What do you enjoy about working with student-athletes?

Student-athletes are hilarious and fun to be around. I love seeing their confidence develop and the light in their eyes when we accomplish something they weren't sure was possible.

What do you like about coaching at Norwich?

I like the team-first mentality of this entire institution. The coaches and administrators embody that mindset and support each other professionally and personally. The student-athletes that Norwich attracts tend to be hard-working, tough, and resilient.

Why is Norwich a great place for student-athletes?

Norwich teaches student-athletes the importance of commitment, sacrifice, hard work, and leadership. The school's culture is designed to help student-athletes strive to be the best they can be. Student-athletes will graduate knowing exactly what they are capable of.

What is your approach to coaching?

My approach to coaching is to build trust and respect with my players by caring about them as whole people, not just as athletes. Once trust and respect are established, my job is to push and motivate my athletes to be their best individually and collectively. I am constantly strategizing to help my team be successful on game night, and I know athletes play best when their confidence is high.

What is Norwich’s approach to athletics training and being on a team?

Norwich celebrates student-athletes and encourages them to pursue excellence on the court as well as in the classroom and in the Corps. Teamwork is an important aspect of the culture at Norwich, and everyone wins when our athletes are experiencing success.