CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State women's basketball head coach Bob Dunn announced the addition of Rachel Balzer to his coaching staff for the 2026-27 campaign, with Balzer set to serve as an assistant coach.
 
"I have known Rachel for nearly half of her life, and she was one of the first people I called after accepting this job," Dunn said. "As a player, she was a true gym rat with a high basketball IQ. As a young coach, she has already been part of two winning programs and brings valuable experience and knowledge that will benefit our staff and players. We're excited to welcome Rachel to Cleveland!"
 
Balzer joins the Vikings after spending the previous three seasons at Longwood, where she was an assistant coach for the 2025-26 and 2024-25 campaigns and the director of basketball operations/player development during the 2023-24 season. In addition, Balzer was promoted to recruiting coordinator last season.
 
While at Longwood, Balzer helped the Lancers to back-to-back 20-win campaigns – marking a program first at the Division I level – while also helping Longwood to a Big South Championship game appearance and WNIT bid during the 2024-25 campaign.
 
During her three seasons at Longwood, the Lancers earned 11 postseason honors, including a pair of Defensive Player of the Year accolades.
 
Earlier this spring, Balzer was named to the WBCA's Thirty Under 30 List, which recognizes up-and-coming coaches in the women's basketball game.
 
Balzer played collegiately at George Mason where she was recruited and coached by Dunn, playing for three seasons before moving into a coaching intern role following injuries that shortened her career.