Tony Newnan Promoted to Associate Head Coach
September 08, 2025 | Women's Basketball
LOS ANGELES - Tony Newnan has been elevated to associate head coach going into the 2025-26 season, The Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close announced Monday.
Newnan has served alongside Coach Close for the duration of her tenure in Westwood; Newnans'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).
Newnan has served alongside Coach Close for the duration of her tenure in Westwood; Newnans'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).
Players Mentioned
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