The Amityville Union Free School District has appointed Long Island basketball standout and St. John's University Hall of Famer Kia Wright as the new head coach of the Amityville Memorial High School girls varsity basketball team.

"Kia Wright is one of the most accomplished basketball players to come out of Long Island, and we are excited to welcome her to the Tide family," said Director of Athletics Evan Farkas. "Her experience competing at the highest levels of high school, collegiate and professional basketball, combined with her passion for mentoring young athletes, makes her an outstanding leader for our girls basketball program."

Wright brings an accomplished playing and coaching career to Amityville, having excelled at every level of the game. The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School graduate scored 2,148 career points, becoming just the eighth girls basketball player in Long Island history to surpass the 2,000-point milestone. A four-time First Team All-Long Island selection and the 2002 Suffolk County Player of the Year, Wright led Copiague to two Long Island championships and helped the program capture its first New York State championship in 2003. 

"Kia Wright's remarkable accomplishments on the court are matched by her dedication to mentoring young people," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. “We are thrilled to welcome coach Wright to the Tide family and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our student-athletes and our school community,"

Wright continued her success at St. John's University, where she became one of the most decorated players in program history. Inducted into the St. John's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, she was a four-time All-BIG EAST selection and helped lead the Red Storm to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 17 years. At the time of her induction, Wright ranked fifth in school history with 1,536 career points and was the only player in program history to record at least 1,500 points and 400 assists. She also ranked among the program's all-time leaders in assists, steals, free throws made, free throw percentage and 3-point field goals, while leading the BIG EAST in assists during her junior season.

"I am honored to join the Amityville family and lead the girls basketball program," Wright said. "Basketball has opened so many doors for me, and I am excited for the opportunity to help our student-athletes grow as competitors, leaders and young women. Together, we will build a culture rooted in hard work, accountability and pride."

Following her collegiate career, Wright played professionally in Puerto Rico and Croatia before transitioning into coaching. She most recently served as head coach at her alma mater, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, after previously coaching as an assistant at Adelphi University. In 2022, she was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the game.