Seattle U Just Hired a Coach Who Knows How to Win: Here's What You Need to Know
Seattle University didn't mess around. The Redhawks just brought in John Bonner as their new women's basketball coach, and this guy comes with a resume that screams results. We're talking about a coach who just took Cal State-Fullerton to their best conference record in 35 years. That is not luck. That is a system that works.
From Division II Powerhouse to Division I Success
Bonner spent nine seasons building something special at Cal State-Dominguez Hills, where he went 141-96 and had two seasons with 30 wins. But here's the kicker: in his final year there, his team finished 36-2 and made it all the way to the national Division II title game. That's the kind of pedigree Seattle U is banking on.
Then he made the jump to Division I last May at Fullerton, and he didn't skip a beat. The Titans went 18-14 overall and 13-7 in Big West Conference play. That 13-7 conference mark? Best record for Fullerton in 35 years. The team was young too, featuring 11 underclassmen, which means this program is just getting started. On offense, they ranked first in the conference averaging 71.8 points a game. On defense, they led the conference with 480 steals for the season, averaging 15.5 per game. That's lockdown basketball.
What Seattle U Gets in Bonner
Shaney Fink, Seattle U's vice president for athletics, laid it out clearly: "Coach Bonner is a proven winner. He brings a sharp basketball mind paired with a demonstrated ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. During his 10 years as a head coach, he has consistently built winning programs anchored by a focus on developing high-character student athletes and a strong commitment to culture and preparedness."
Translation: this is not just about wins. Bonner builds cultures. He develops talent. He recruits. Those are the three pillars that matter.
Bonner himself said it best: "Women's basketball is reaching new heights nationally, and I am both honored and excited to build on that momentum here in Seattle."
Out With the Old
Bonner replaces Skylar Young, who posted a 15-74 record in three seasons with the Redhawks. Yeah, that tells you everything about the state of the program he's inheriting. Seattle U has work to do, but they just hired someone who knows how to turn things around.
By the way, the Seattle U men's team has their own game to focus on: they're heading to Auburn for a second-round NIT matchup Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The Redhawks are 21-13 and Auburn is 18-16. That's must-watch basketball for Seattle fans.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.