Illinois Wesleyan 2013 graduate and former basketball player Michelle Bilek has been named Director of Basketball Operations at Division I Columbia University in New York City.

Bilek's hiring was announced by Columbia women's basketball head coach Stephanie Glance, who was at Illinois State until accepting the job with the Ivy League Lions earlier this spring.

Bilek's responsibilities include coordination of travel arrangements, assisting in the organization of practice, budget management, alumni relations video coordination and special projects.

"Michelle is a great addition to our staff," Glance said. "She is a person of strong character, has great work ethic and a passion to be in the coaching profession. She is a young, talented, highly skilled individual who will be a tremendous asset for Columbia women's basketball program."

Bilek earned her degree in interdisciplinary education with a concentration in child and family Sstudies, while minoring in coaching and physical education.

She ended her playing career at Illinois Wesleyan where she was part of an NCAA Division III championship team in 2012. She was the 2012-13 team captain and averaged career-highs of 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds as a senior.

During her summers, Bilek had served as counselor and coach to several academies and camps in Illinois.