The University of Utah's Runnin' Utes men's basketball team has made a new addition to their staff, bringing on Natalie Lainhart as an executive assistant. Head coach Alex Jensen announced her appointment, noting that Lainhart's "skill set and background in college basketball will be a huge asset for our program," according to UtahUtes.com.
With an impressive track record in the state, Lainhart leaves BYU, where she held various roles between 2020-24. Having started with Mark Pope's staff, she assisted operations for the women's basketball team, which Jensen seems to be bringing to the Runnin' Utes with successful familiarity. Lainhart's experience includes a stretch at BYU-Idaho, where she graduated in 2024, and collegiate basketball stints at Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, and Salt Lake CC.
Lainhart expressed her enthusiasm about the new position, saying, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to join Coach Jensen and his staff and to be part of the men's basketball program," as per UtahUtes.com. She aims to support the team and help build upon their success, a sentiment reflected in her past as a standout player herself. During her high school days at Silverado High School in Las Vegas, Lainhart was a notable talent, ending her career with 1,266 points, averaging 16.6 points and 13.7 rebounds in her senior year, and recording 16 double-doubles in 20 games.
