TUSCALOOSA | Heather Mesalam has been hired as director of basketball operations for the University of Alabama women’s basketball team, rounding out the staff of new head coach Wendell Hudson.

“We are excited to have Heather join the staff and take on a larger role in the Alabama basketball family,” Hudson said. “Heather demonstrated all the qualities necessary to flourish in this position and I am glad that she will be a part of the new direction of the program.”

Mesalam recently graduated from Alabama with a degree in marketing. The Indianapolis, Ind., native spent four seasons as a manager for Mark Gottfried and the Alabama men’s basketball team.

Mesalam became the first female manager for the men’s squad and was the head manager the last two seasons.

“Heather did an outstanding job in our program,” Gottfried said. “She’s a tireless worker and she’s tremendously responsible. I think she will be a very good asset to the women’s basketball program.”

Mesalam supervised five other UA men’s basketball managers, assisted in practice and supervised workouts along with other duties. She also served as the coordinator for Bama Hoops Basketball Camp.