MENOMONIE – University of Wisconsin-Stout Director of Athletics
Erin Sullivan announced today the hiring of Sam Clayton as the new head coach of the Blue Devil women's basketball program.
Clayton becomes the 10th head coach in program history and brings a strong track record of success at the NCAA Division II level. She arrives in Menomonie after eight seasons as head coach at Michigan Tech (2018–26), where she compiled a 138-88 overall record (.611) and led the Huskies to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
"We are extremely excited to add Sam Clayton to our Blue Devil family," Director of Athletics and Recreation
Erin Sullivan said. "In Sam, we have found a leader whose vision, grit, and integrity align directly with UW-Stout Athletics and our women's basketball program. Her commitment to building relationships, developing student-athletes, and leading with purpose will have a meaningful impact on our program."
Under Clayton's leadership, Michigan Tech consistently competed at a high level in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the women's basketball program at UW-Stout and become part of such a strong community," Clayton said. "This position means a great deal to me—not only because of the tradition and potential of the team, but also because it brings me closer to home and the people who have supported my journey."
Clayton's tenure at Michigan Tech was highlighted by several standout seasons. In 2022-23, the Huskies posted a 25-7 overall record, finished second in the GLIAC at 15-3, and went a perfect 14-0 at home. They advanced to the GLIAC Tournament Championship game and earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Midwest Regional.
During the shortened 2020-21 season, Clayton guided the Huskies to a 20-2 record, including a 19-game winning streak that matched a school record. Michigan Tech captured the GLIAC Tournament Championship and earned the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Midwest Regional. She was named GLIAC Coach of the Year.
In her first two seasons, Clayton led the Huskies to back-to-back 21-9 campaigns and continued the program's success in the conference tournament, including a GLIAC North Division title in 2018-19.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Clayton served as an assistant coach at the University of Sioux Falls, where she played a key role in all aspects of the program, including recruiting coordination, player development, scouting, and film analysis.
Clayton also gained NCAA Division I experience as an assistant coach at Youngstown State University, working with guards and overseeing recruiting territories in the Midwest. She helped lead the Penguins to a 21-13 record and a WBI semifinal appearance during the 2015-16 season. Additionally, she spent a season as an assistant coach at Northwood University and began her coaching career as a graduate and student assistant at Youngstown State and Michigan Tech, respectively.
"I'm excited to get to work with our student-athletes, build meaningful relationships, and compete at a high level," Clayton said. "We're going to focus on developing a culture of accountability, toughness, and respect, both on and off the court. I can't wait to get started and represent this program."
A standout student-athlete at Michigan Tech, Clayton ranks seventh in program history with 1,434 career points over 124 games. She also owns the second-highest career free throw percentage in school history at 84.8 percent and helped lead the Huskies to a 103-22 record during her playing career, including a trip to the 2010-11 NCAA Division II National Championship game.
Clayton earned multiple accolades as a player, including All-GLIAC First Team honors and two Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America Honorable Mention selections. She was also a standout in the classroom, earning All-GLIAC Academic Excellence honors all four years and being named a CoSIDA Academic All-American, including First Team honors as a senior.
A native of Durand, Wisconsin, Clayton was a decorated prep athlete at Durand High School, where she was named first team all-state and conference MVP while leading her team to a state runner-up finish. Clayton returns to the Menomonie area with her husband, Cameron, and their children, Colt, Ada, and Lanie.
