A familiar name to area basketball fans is taking over the women’s basketball program at UW-Stout.
Durand native Sam Clayton was hired as the new head coach for the Blue Devils on Wednesday morning.
Clayton takes over at Stout after Hannah Iverson left late last month to take over the women’s program at UW-Eau Claire. Iverson led the Blue Devils to the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2025.
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Clayton was a decorated prep athlete at Durand, where she was named first team all-state and conference most valuable player while leading her team to a state runner-up finish in girls basketball.
Clayton returns to the Menomonie area with her husband, Cameron, and their children, Colt, Ada, and Lanie.
Clayton becomes the 10th head coach in UW-Stout program history and brings a strong track record of success at the NCAA Division II level.
She spent the past eight seasons as head coach at Michigan Tech, where she compiled a 138-88 overall record and led the Huskies to two NCAA Tournaments.
“We are extremely excited to add Sam Clayton to our Blue Devil family,” Stout athletic director 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.”
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Under Clayton’s leadership, Michigan Tech consistently competed at a high level in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“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 and finished second in the GLIAC at 15-3.
They advanced to the GLIAC Tournament Championship game and earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Midwest Regional.
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During the shortened 2020-21 season, Clayton was named GLIAC Coach of the Year.
Clayton gained NCAA Division I experience as an assistant coach at Youngstown State University. She helped lead the Penguins to a 21-13 record during the 2015-16 season.
“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 earned all-conference honors and ranks seventh in program history with 1,434 career points. She also led her team to the 2010-11 NCAA Division II championship game.
