Student Spotlight: Colleen McQuillen

In anticipation of Joy in Education Day with Lehigh Athletics, we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate COE student and Mountain Hawks Director of Basketball Operations Colleen McQuillen. McQuillen graduated with dual undergraduate degrees from Lehigh in May. She is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m from New Jersey. I graduated from Lehigh with degrees in English and Sociology, after transferring ahead of my junior year. I was a member of the women's basketball team and served as a team captain my senior year. I currently work as a graduate assistant/director of basketball operations on the women's basketball staff. 

What brought you to Lehigh? While basketball was a huge factor in my decision to transfer to Lehigh for my junior and senior years, my decision to stay for another two years was influenced by how much this university and the athletic department has cared about development in all facets of my personhood. In just two years, I have grown exponential amounts academically, socially (and athletically. And even in just one semester of graduate school, I have felt a similar impact. 

Tell us about any awards you have received: I received the James J. Duane III Student Life Leadership Award from Lehigh University, was recognized on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll twice, and participated in the 2025 Patriot League All-Tournament.

Why did you choose the COE? Education has always been a big part of my life, thanks to growing up with a mom and sister who are both teachers. Studying English and Sociology at Lehigh helped me realize how much I enjoy language, storytelling, and the conversations that come from diving into literature. My time as a student-athlete also showed me how much I value leading, supporting others, and working toward a common goal. Pursuing a master’s in Secondary Education feels like the perfect way to combine those interests and make a real difference for students. And with the chance to work with Lehigh’s women’s basketball program, I get to keep growing as a mentor both in the classroom and on the court.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? I hope to become an assistant coach at a college or university after graduation.

One semester into your master’s program, what is an experience that stands out for you? Learning about the effort that goes into building a classroom and lessons behind the scenes!