Drake University Athletics

Former Des Moines East High School and Notre Dame standout Markisha Wright is an assistant Drake women's basketball coach. She joined the program as a graduate assistant prior to the 2015-16 season and later was promoted to the assistant coach position in Sept., 2016.

Wright assists with practice and game planning, player development, recruiting and other duties and tasks. She primarily works with the Bulldogs' post players.

Following the 2019-2020 season, Wright was selected to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's Thirty Under 30. The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women's basketball coaches age 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree exemplifies their involvement in community service, mentorship and impact on others, professional manner, and attitude and professional association involvement. 

Wright led Des Moines East to a state title in 2011 and a second-place finish in 2010 before going to Notre Dame where she appeared in 138 career games, scored 443 points and grabbed 353 rebounds. Wright played in four Final Fours and advanced to the championship game three times while a member of the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame compiled an impressive 143-10 record during Wright’s four seasons. Her teams at East were also highly successful as the Scarlets went 87-10 in her four prep seasons.
 
Wright served as a team captain for the Fighting Irish as a senior and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Honor Roll. She graduated in May 2015 from Notre Dame's College of Arts and Letters with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She earned a master’s degree in leadership development at Drake.