After a stellar playing career at Lehman College, Ivelisse Rosario-Balbuena will enter her 13th season in 2014-15 as Eric Harrison’s top assistant for the Lehman women’s basketball team.
A four-year team captain during her playing days, Rosario-Balbuena filled a major role in the resurgence of Lehman women’s basketball. Her influence as a player carried over to the sidelines as the team captured the school’s first ever CUNY conference championship and made an appearance in the NCAA Division III national tournament in 2007 with her on the coaching staff. Her extensive recruiting abilities have helped the Lightning bring some premiere talent to the Bronx campus. Prior to the 2008-2009 season, Rosario-Balbuena was named Associate Head Coach for her efforts and dedication to the women’s basketball program.
Rosario-Balbuena has the distinction of being the only player in Lehman history to play in every game of her four-year career. Her hard work and commitment paid off, as Rosario-Balbuena finished with averages of 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game and is ranked in several of Lehman’s season and career top 10 lists. She currently is second on Lehman’s all-time assists list with 358 dishes and ranks first in three-point field goals made (183), including a team-high 74 in 2001-02. A three-time Hudson Valley All-Star, Rosario-Balbuena also set a Lightning record by making eight three-point field goal attempts in a single game twice in her career at Lehman. Over her four years on the court, the Lightning won two Hudson Valley championships and captured two regular season conference titles while posting an amazing 89-37 record. In her final three seasons the Lightning posted a stellar 35-4 record in conference play. Rosario-Balbuena was elected into the Lehman Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
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