Redhawks recruit 'championship coach,' staff

Hired just over six weeks ago, the new women’s head basketball coach, Joan Bonvicini already has an agenda, and victory is at the top of her to-do list.

“I am a championship coach at a championship university, and I am here to build a championship program,” Bonvicini said.

Hailing from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Conn., Bonvicini began her basketball career as a point guard while studying public health and computer science. After college, she was recruited to play basketball in southern California. During her time there, she accepted her first job in basketball as an assistant coach at California Polytechnic University, Pomona for only a $1,000 a year.

After two years at Cal Poly, Bonvicini moved on to Long Beach State where she worked as head coach for 12 years before becoming the head coach at University of Arizona from 1991 to 2008.

“I had no idea what I was taking on when I accepted the position as head coach at Arizona,” Bonvicini said. “When I first arrived, they were the worst team I had ever taken on. However, I am a positive person with lots of energy, and I saw the team as a challenge and I went at it with everything I had.”

Upon arrival, Bonvicini took over the Wildcats by storm, and after 17 seasons coaching them, she went down as one of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball history. Bonvicini left UA with a 287-223 (.563) record. Her overall record in collegiate women’s basketball is 612-294 (.676).

In late July, Seattle University made contact with Bonvicini after word got out that she was on the hunt to coach a team again.

After stepping foot on campus, Bonvicini knew immediately she wanted to work for Seattle U and accepted the job.

“I am thrilled that she decided to join us. She is a hall of fame coach. She has done extraordinary accomplishments her entire career,” said Bill Hogan, director of Athletics. “We are very enthused about her plan she will lead us on.”

Since this is the first year that Seattle U is still in the process of becoming Division I, Bonvicini is using this year as a transitional year before hitting all the to-do’s on her agenda.

“I’ve only ever known Division I,” Bonvicini said. “I want to be nationally ranked in three years, I want to get into post-season play in two and on top of all of that, I want to sign the best players in the Northwest.”

Jamie Angelli brings wealth of experience and knowledge

Jamie Angelli, an Iron River, Mich. native, is no newcomer when it comes to college basketball.

After studying special education at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, Angelli went on to amass an impressive resume.

Angelli has worked at University of California – Los Angeles, University of Southern Florida and has gone overseas to coach for four years. On top of that, he is also a nationally recognized author that has written several articles on basketball recruiting. In his 25 years of coaching basketball, Angelli has worked with men 99 percent of the time. This year marks his return to women’s basketball after a long hiatus.

“I have a strong desire to work and learn from people,” said Angelli. “I’m hoping to really spruce up the image for this team with my creative side and learn from Coach Bonvicini at the same time.”

Joy Hollingsworth joins her former coach’s staff

Born and raised in Seattle, Joy Hollingsworth makes up for her lack of experience with talent and undeniable charisma.

Hollingsworth is a recent graduate of the University of Washington, where she earned her masters in education in intercollegiate athletics leadership.

She graduated in 2007 from the University of Arizona, where she played under coach Bonvicini. Before joining on as an assistant coach at Seattle U, Hollingsworth was an assistant coach at Seattle Prepatory School, her alma mater and a Capitol Hill Jesuit school.

Hollingsworth hopes to eventually become a role model to the team as well as to constantly remind them to never stop smiling.

“We’ve stumbled upon a unique opportunity,” Hollingsworth said. “We have a great team, a great staff, and we have the chance to build a program from the ground up from DII to DI. It’s a goldmine.”

Standout UW player, Kristen O’Neill, added as assistant coach

Another Seattle native to join the coaching staff, Kristen O’Neill was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003 at the University of Washington.

After building an impressive resume with the Huskies—she graduated in 2006—O’Neill spent time playing with the Seattle Storm and opened a camp called O’Neill Hoops for girls that want to grow professionally in basketball.

Like Hollingsworth, O’Neill is also young in terms of experience, but her enthusiasm as well as her determination are her driving forces. She will be working alongside with Hollingsworth with guard and wing players, as well as assisting Coach Bonvicini in recruiting.

“Kristen is a great and well respected person,” Bonvicini said. “She complements me well, and I know with her help, this is going to be a really great year.”

Carolyn can be reached at chuynh@su-spectator.com
 

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3 comments

buster

Tue Oct 6 2009 23:36

Not much to build as they won over 20 games last year and did not lose at home. Wonder why the previous coach is no longer there.....

Dan

Fri Oct 2 2009 12:25

Seattle U is lucky to have a coach of the caliber of Coach Bonvicini. She will build a great program.

Celeste

Fri Oct 2 2009 00:29

Fasten your seatbelts, Seattle U. Coach Bonvicini's one of the best in the business. Once she builds her team, you'll see firsthand what elite play is all about.

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