CINCINNATI, Ohio – Mount St. Joseph University has announced the promotion of Shane Cleveland to head coach of the Lions women's basketball program. Cleveland takes over the program after serving on the Mount's coaching staff and replaces Maisie Elston as head coach.
"We are excited to promote Shane to lead our women's basketball program," said Mount St. Joseph Vice President and Director of Athletics Melanee Wagener. "He has been instrumental in the recent success of our women's basketball program and has built strong relationships with our student-athletes during his time at the Mount. We also want to thank Coach Elston for her time and dedication to the University and our women's basketball program, and wish her good luck in her new position. We are happy to be able to provide the program with continuity by elevating Coach Cleveland, and we are excited to see him continue to build on the foundation that has been established."
Cleveland provides the Lions with continuity on the bench after spending the 2025–26 season as an assistant coach with the program. He originally joined the Mount ahead of the 2024–25 season as a volunteer assistant before being elevated to an assistant coaching role.
During his time with the Lions, Cleveland has played an important role in player development and the day-to-day operation of the program. His familiarity with the current roster and commitment to building a strong program culture will allow for a smooth transition as he takes over leadership of the program.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue at Mount St. Joseph in this new role and to build on the winning culture we have established within the women's basketball program," Cleveland said. "I would like to thank everyone at the Mount, especially Melanee Wagener, for putting their trust in me to lead this program. I am excited to continue working with our student-athletes and building on the momentum we have created while representing the Mount at the highest level."
Before arriving at Mount St. Joseph, Cleveland spent three seasons from 2019–22 as an assistant coach with the Earlham College men's basketball program. While with the Quakers, he was involved in several aspects of the program, including recruiting, scouting and player development.
Cleveland began his collegiate coaching career in 2018 as a student assistant coach at Thomas College. In that role, he contributed to all facets of the program while completing his undergraduate degree.
He later continued his education at Earlham College, earning a master's degree in education in 2022.
Cleveland's coaching philosophy centers around player development, building a strong team culture and helping student-athletes grow both on and off the court. After two seasons as a member of the Mount St. Joseph staff, he will now have the opportunity to continue building the program as its head coach.
Cleveland will begin his duties as head coach immediately.
