Yeshiva University Department of Athletics and Recreation has announced the hiring of Michael Alon as head women’s basketball coach. Alon joins the Maccabees after having served as head girls’ varsity basketball coach at Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC), where he has been the past six years. Prior to that, Alon was the head girls’ varsity basketball coach at Abraham Heschel High School, in New York City, from 2007-09. Alon’s coaching experience also includes the JCC Maccabi Games, where he led the United States girls’ 17-and-under team to the silver medal in Israel in 2011.

In addition to his basketball coaching career, Alon is a successful entrepreneur. He has founded two companies, including the Let All the Children Play Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of handicapped children through sports and play. The Foundation develops accessible playgrounds and inclusive programs, allowing children with disabilities the opportunity to experience recreation side-by-side their able-bodied peers.

Alon is also is the co-founder of AkimboConnect.com, a career development platform that re-imagines the hiring process while working to build a more inclusive workforce. Alon has also taught entrepreneurship classes at HANC.

A native of Forest Hills, N.Y., Alon is a graduate of New York University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in management/economics in 1984, and Masters of Business Administration in finance in 1985.

“Michael has a true passion for Jewish basketball and is transitioning into the college game from both high school and international competition,” said Yeshiva University Director of Athletics, Joe Bednarsh. “His dedication and knowledge of the game will be a tremendous asset to the program.”