SELINSGROVE, PA - Susquehanna University women's basketball head coach Gabby Holko has announced the addition of two new hires to her coaching staff in Jim Burns and Ryan Alexander. Burns is a familiar local face, coaching the basketball programs at Danville Area High School, as well as coaching at Shamokin Area High School. Alexander comes over to Selinsgrove from Western Pennsylvania, where he was the women's basketball student assistant coach at Slippery Rock University. 

About Jim Burns

Jim Burns joins the River Hawks after serving the 2024-2025 season as Head Assistant Coach of the Danville Ironmen where they won their third straight District Title and earned another bid in the state playoffs. He stepped in as Interim Head Coach for three games last season, winning all of them. Prior to that he spent time in player development privately, as well as Head Coach of Meadowbrook Christian School Girls Basketball team for one season. Coach Burns also spent the last five seasons as the Shamokin Area Baseball Head Coach, wrapping up his time there this past spring.

Coach Burns, who was born in Danville, also spent time in Chapel Hill and spending most of his time around the Youngstown Area in Ohio before returning to the 570 in 2013. Coach Burns coached St Joes MS girls' team for two seasons. He attended Liberty High School and collected numerous awards as a player. He attended Youngstown State University.  

About Ryan Alexander

Hailing from Slippery Rock University, Ryan Alexander comes to the River Hawks with multiple years of coaching experience spanning over two different universities, as well as a global stint with the Global Squad Academy.

Alexander comes to the River Hawks after spending three seasons (2022–25) as a Student Assistant Coach at Slippery Rock University under head coach Ryenn Micaletti. During his tenure with The Rock, he assisted with travel logistics, practice operations, scouting, oversight of the Student Manager Program, and led player development workouts while also competing in drills. He played a key role in the development of three All-Conference players: Regan Atkins, Deleah Gibson, and Isabellah Middleton. 

In 2025, Alexander gained international coaching experience with Global Squad Academy, serving as Head Assistant Coach and Assistant to the Director. He oversaw camp operations, led player development workouts, and guided international athletes through the recruiting process. He previously gained collegiate experience with the Lock Haven University men's basketball program in 2021–22, assisting with workouts and practice operations.

Beyond the collegiate ranks, Alexander has coached and presented at numerous youth and elite basketball camps, contributing to player development and program organization at multiple levels of the game.