Women’s Basketball Announces Staff Updates for 2025-26
September 16, 2025 | Women's Basketball
LOS ANGELES – UCLA Women's Basketball has completed its coaching staff for the 2025-26 season; The Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close announced the following updates Tuesday.
Tony Newnan
Associate Head Coach
Tony Newnan has been elevated to associate head coach going into the 2025-26 season.
Newnan has served alongside Coach Cori Close for the duration of her tenure in Westwood; Newnan's 14 seasons on the staff have seen the Bruins compile an impressive 321 wins.
"I am so grateful for Coach Tony," said Close. "He has been a linchpin of this program, an offensive guru and a master in the international recruiting game. Tony is invaluable - he's had a special way of coaching hearts each step of the way, so it was a no-brainer to promote Tony to associate head coach this summer. I am so proud of Tony and am excited to have him by my side in this position."
Newnan has also helped guide the squad to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including the team's most recent appearance in 2025 – the Bruins made their first appearance in the NCAA Final Four after an impressive campaign in 2024-25, capturing the Big Ten Championship by defeating USC in the title game. The team advanced to the Sweet 16 in four-straight seasons from 2016-19 and secured Elite 8 berths in 2018 and 2025. The Bruins have seven Sweet 16 appearances under Newnan's guidance.
"Coach Tony is such a big part of our team and our team's success," said senior Gabriela Jaquez. "His knowledge for the game has truly helped me grow as a basketball player. I am so thankful I get to learn from Coach Tony."
Newnan was named 2024-25 NCAA Division I Assistant Coach of the Year by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
Michaela Onyenwere
Assistant Coach
UCLA Women's Basketball is adding Bruin alum and 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere to its staff as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season.
"What an honor it is to welcome Mic back to campus," said The Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close. "I'm excited to bring her on and use her incredible basketball mind. Our student-athletes have an amazing opportunity to learn a lot from a vet in the W – many of our players aspire to keep playing after they graduate here, so they can take full advantage of picking the mind of a seasoned pro. We're so lucky to have Michaela join our staff!"
The Aurora, Colo., native, who played for the Chicago Sky during her fifth year the WNBA this summer, provides valuable experience as a professional in the basketball world.
"I'm extremely honored to be back in Westwood as an assistant coach with the Bruins!" said Onyenwere. "To represent this program and university again fills my heart with joy – I'm so excited to be able to work with our student-athletes from this side of the bench. I truly believe we are building something special here, and I'm fully prepared to help mentor and equip our players so we can accomplish all of our goals this year. Go Bruins!"
The Bruin was drafted sixth overall by the New York Liberty in the 2021 WNBA Draft; she led all rookies in points per game (8.6 PPG), points (275), field goals made (91 FGM), 3-point field goals (37 3FGM) and total minutes played (721) on her way to an All-Rookie selection during her first campaign in the W.
"I'm extremely excited for Michaela to be joining the coaching staff at UCLA," said Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada, who was teammates with Onyenwere with the Bruins in 2017-18. "She brings the knowledge, the experience and the energy that will be a great addition to the program!"
Sam Skinner
Assistant General Manager
Sam Skinner has been promoted to UCLA Women's Basketball's assistant general manager ahead of the 2025-26 season.
"I'm excited to open this new chapter with Sam," said Close. "Sam has been an important addition to our program and has been really impressive with his contributions on and off the court. His analytics and work on the basketball side have provided valuable insight to our players, and he's built important relationships to help them with the business side of things. He will continue to be an asset for our program, and I can't wait to see what Sam will do in this expanded role."
Skinner acted as the Director of Analytics & Strategy and NIL Liaison for UCLA Women's Basketball from 2022 until September 2025. He assisted the team in NIL operation and the coaching staff with roster management, serving as the key point of contact for athletics, compliance and collective partners to ensure execution and alignment on those endeavors.
"In today's constantly evolving college athletics landscape, we felt it would be essential to have a position that supports Coach Cori and our Women's Basketball program in focusing on roster management and NIL strategy, among other things," said Senior Associate Athletic Director, Academic and Championship Excellence Dr. Kenny Donaldson. "As a valued member of the staff for the few years as Director of Analytics & Strategy, NIL Liaison, we are excited to hire Sam as our first Women's Basketball Assistant GM. He will be vital and continue to build the brand of UCLA Women's Basketball through our goals of sustaining a championship culture, enhancing the student experience, and ensuring competitive excellence."
Skinner also implemented advanced analytics into UCLA's scouting, player development, and game planning operations to improve coaching staff strategy and in-game decision making.
Prior to his arrival in Westwood, Skinner spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks – he first worked as a basketball operations assistant starting in 2020 as the first-ever analytics coordinator for the California WNBA team. Skinner helped lead the integration of data analytics in coaching and basketball operations, and he assisted the team with logistical and administrative projects for his first two seasons with the Sparks. Skinner was promoted to video and analytics coordinator in the basketball operations department. He led all team film operations and advised the head coach and general manager on roster strategy, player evaluation, salary cap analysis and free agency decisions.
"I am honored to step into this new role for UCLA Women's Basketball," said Skinner. "From the moment I entered this sport, my passion has been to support the growth and success of our student-athletes, both on and off the court. UCLA embodies a tradition of excellence, a commitment to community, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level – values that inspire me every day. I am excited to collaborate with Coach Close, our staff, and our talented student-athletes to build on that proud tradition. I cannot wait to get started and to contribute to shaping the future of this remarkable program."
Skinner graduated from Brown University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History, where he was a student manager for the men's basketball team. He completed a Master of Education in Transformative Coaching and Leadership from UCLA in 2024.
Alex Zachem
Video Coordinator
After two seasons with the Bruins, Alex Zachem has been named Video Coordinator ahead of the 2025-26 season. Zachem has been a full-time intern since June 2023, coordinating video operations for women's basketball games and practices.
"It has been inspiring to see Alex reconnect and rekindle her love of basketball," said Close. "She is passionate and works tirelessly – she takes a lot of pride in what she does and it shows. She has been an important part of our video team already, so we're excited to welcome Alex in a full-time capacity as our new Video Coordinator."
As a member of the video team, Zachem supported the coaching staff in preparing scouting reports, breaking down opponent video and contributed to scout team coaching in preparation for games; she produced creative and highlight videos to aid film sessions. Zachem also assisted with pre-game clinics and summer camp for girls ages 6-12.
"Following a two-year internship here at UCLAWBB, I am excited to join the program as Video Coordinator under the leadership of Coach Cori and her staff," said Zachem. "It is a privilege to be part of an organization that values personal development, camaraderie, and education while never losing enthusiasm for high-level competition. I am thrilled to work with such a talented group of women athletes and honored to be part of the Bruin community - Fours Up!"
Prior to joining the Bruins in Westwood, Zachem worked in the entertainment industry. Zachem had stints at HBO and NBC Universal, working in finance, travel and operations from 2017-2023. She graduated from Saint Joseph's University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance.
Zachem was a four-year starter and senior captain of Saint Joseph's Women's Tennis in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Tony Newnan
Associate Head Coach
Tony Newnan has been elevated to associate head coach going into the 2025-26 season.
Newnan has served alongside Coach Cori Close for the duration of her tenure in Westwood; Newnan's 14 seasons on the staff have seen the Bruins compile an impressive 321 wins.
"I am so grateful for Coach Tony," said Close. "He has been a linchpin of this program, an offensive guru and a master in the international recruiting game. Tony is invaluable - he's had a special way of coaching hearts each step of the way, so it was a no-brainer to promote Tony to associate head coach this summer. I am so proud of Tony and am excited to have him by my side in this position."
Newnan has also helped guide the squad to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including the team's most recent appearance in 2025 – the Bruins made their first appearance in the NCAA Final Four after an impressive campaign in 2024-25, capturing the Big Ten Championship by defeating USC in the title game. The team advanced to the Sweet 16 in four-straight seasons from 2016-19 and secured Elite 8 berths in 2018 and 2025. The Bruins have seven Sweet 16 appearances under Newnan's guidance.
"Coach Tony is such a big part of our team and our team's success," said senior Gabriela Jaquez. "His knowledge for the game has truly helped me grow as a basketball player. I am so thankful I get to learn from Coach Tony."
Newnan was named 2024-25 NCAA Division I Assistant Coach of the Year by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
Michaela Onyenwere
Assistant Coach
UCLA Women's Basketball is adding Bruin alum and 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere to its staff as an assistant coach for the 2025-26 season.
"What an honor it is to welcome Mic back to campus," said The Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close. "I'm excited to bring her on and use her incredible basketball mind. Our student-athletes have an amazing opportunity to learn a lot from a vet in the W – many of our players aspire to keep playing after they graduate here, so they can take full advantage of picking the mind of a seasoned pro. We're so lucky to have Michaela join our staff!"
The Aurora, Colo., native, who played for the Chicago Sky during her fifth year the WNBA this summer, provides valuable experience as a professional in the basketball world.
"I'm extremely honored to be back in Westwood as an assistant coach with the Bruins!" said Onyenwere. "To represent this program and university again fills my heart with joy – I'm so excited to be able to work with our student-athletes from this side of the bench. I truly believe we are building something special here, and I'm fully prepared to help mentor and equip our players so we can accomplish all of our goals this year. Go Bruins!"
The Bruin was drafted sixth overall by the New York Liberty in the 2021 WNBA Draft; she led all rookies in points per game (8.6 PPG), points (275), field goals made (91 FGM), 3-point field goals (37 3FGM) and total minutes played (721) on her way to an All-Rookie selection during her first campaign in the W.
"I'm extremely excited for Michaela to be joining the coaching staff at UCLA," said Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada, who was teammates with Onyenwere with the Bruins in 2017-18. "She brings the knowledge, the experience and the energy that will be a great addition to the program!"
Sam Skinner
Assistant General Manager
Sam Skinner has been promoted to UCLA Women's Basketball's assistant general manager ahead of the 2025-26 season.
"I'm excited to open this new chapter with Sam," said Close. "Sam has been an important addition to our program and has been really impressive with his contributions on and off the court. His analytics and work on the basketball side have provided valuable insight to our players, and he's built important relationships to help them with the business side of things. He will continue to be an asset for our program, and I can't wait to see what Sam will do in this expanded role."
Skinner acted as the Director of Analytics & Strategy and NIL Liaison for UCLA Women's Basketball from 2022 until September 2025. He assisted the team in NIL operation and the coaching staff with roster management, serving as the key point of contact for athletics, compliance and collective partners to ensure execution and alignment on those endeavors.
"In today's constantly evolving college athletics landscape, we felt it would be essential to have a position that supports Coach Cori and our Women's Basketball program in focusing on roster management and NIL strategy, among other things," said Senior Associate Athletic Director, Academic and Championship Excellence Dr. Kenny Donaldson. "As a valued member of the staff for the few years as Director of Analytics & Strategy, NIL Liaison, we are excited to hire Sam as our first Women's Basketball Assistant GM. He will be vital and continue to build the brand of UCLA Women's Basketball through our goals of sustaining a championship culture, enhancing the student experience, and ensuring competitive excellence."
Skinner also implemented advanced analytics into UCLA's scouting, player development, and game planning operations to improve coaching staff strategy and in-game decision making.
Prior to his arrival in Westwood, Skinner spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks – he first worked as a basketball operations assistant starting in 2020 as the first-ever analytics coordinator for the California WNBA team. Skinner helped lead the integration of data analytics in coaching and basketball operations, and he assisted the team with logistical and administrative projects for his first two seasons with the Sparks. Skinner was promoted to video and analytics coordinator in the basketball operations department. He led all team film operations and advised the head coach and general manager on roster strategy, player evaluation, salary cap analysis and free agency decisions.
"I am honored to step into this new role for UCLA Women's Basketball," said Skinner. "From the moment I entered this sport, my passion has been to support the growth and success of our student-athletes, both on and off the court. UCLA embodies a tradition of excellence, a commitment to community, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level – values that inspire me every day. I am excited to collaborate with Coach Close, our staff, and our talented student-athletes to build on that proud tradition. I cannot wait to get started and to contribute to shaping the future of this remarkable program."
Skinner graduated from Brown University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History, where he was a student manager for the men's basketball team. He completed a Master of Education in Transformative Coaching and Leadership from UCLA in 2024.
Alex Zachem
Video Coordinator
After two seasons with the Bruins, Alex Zachem has been named Video Coordinator ahead of the 2025-26 season. Zachem has been a full-time intern since June 2023, coordinating video operations for women's basketball games and practices.
"It has been inspiring to see Alex reconnect and rekindle her love of basketball," said Close. "She is passionate and works tirelessly – she takes a lot of pride in what she does and it shows. She has been an important part of our video team already, so we're excited to welcome Alex in a full-time capacity as our new Video Coordinator."
As a member of the video team, Zachem supported the coaching staff in preparing scouting reports, breaking down opponent video and contributed to scout team coaching in preparation for games; she produced creative and highlight videos to aid film sessions. Zachem also assisted with pre-game clinics and summer camp for girls ages 6-12.
"Following a two-year internship here at UCLAWBB, I am excited to join the program as Video Coordinator under the leadership of Coach Cori and her staff," said Zachem. "It is a privilege to be part of an organization that values personal development, camaraderie, and education while never losing enthusiasm for high-level competition. I am thrilled to work with such a talented group of women athletes and honored to be part of the Bruin community - Fours Up!"
Prior to joining the Bruins in Westwood, Zachem worked in the entertainment industry. Zachem had stints at HBO and NBC Universal, working in finance, travel and operations from 2017-2023. She graduated from Saint Joseph's University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance.
Zachem was a four-year starter and senior captain of Saint Joseph's Women's Tennis in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
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