Michelle Marciniak

Michelle Marciniak, known for her impressive career both on and off the basketball court, co-founded and is co-CEO of Sheex, a New Jersey-based company specializing in performance fabric bedding. Before entering the entrepreneurial world, Marciniak was an acclaimed point guard in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her athletic prowess was evident early on, having been named the Gatorade High School Basketball Player of the Year in 1991. Later, in 1996, she led the Tennessee Lady Vols to their fourth national championship and earned the title of Most Valuable Player of the Final Four Women's Tournament. Her basketball career also included stints with the Portland Fire and Seattle Storm of the WNBA, where she was a fan favorite and recipient of the WNBA Community Service Award.

After retiring from professional basketball at the age of 29, Marciniak transitioned into a coaching role at the University of South Carolina. From 2003 to 2008, she served as the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach for the women's basketball team, effectively securing top recruiting classes. In addition to her collegiate and professional experiences, Marciniak was a valued member of the USA Basketball team, participating in international events like the World University Games in 1995 and the Pan American Games in 1999, adding various medals to her collection.

Using her sports background as a springboard, Marciniak co-founded Sheex in 2007. The company's products, which include pillowcases, duvet covers, mattress toppers, and sleepwear, are designed with athletic-performance fabrics to enhance sleep quality by regulating body temperature and moisture. Sheex operates primarily through e-commerce but also distributes products through select retail partners. Marciniak's unique insights from her sports career have been beneficial in her current role, and she occasionally serves as a color analyst for WNBA and NCAA basketball games on ESPN Radio and other media outlets.