Seattle University has hired John Bonner to be the seventh head coach of the women’s basketball program Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink announced Thursday.
“Coach Bonner is a proven winner,” said Fink. “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. With John Bonner leading the way, we are excited to elevate our women’s basketball program to meet the competitive standard of the West Coast Conference, align with the expectations of Seattle University and, more broadly, the excellence of women’s basketball in the city of Seattle.”
Bonner brings a wealth of leadership and a proven track record to First Hill with a decade of head coaching experience across the Division I and II levels. Bonner took his expertise to the Division I level last May, taking over the Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball program, where he led the Titans to their best season this millennium, posting an 18-win season and advancing to the Big West Conference Tournament quarterfinals in his first season.
“I am grateful to Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink and President Eduardo Peñalver for the opportunity to join Seattle University and lead this program,” said Bonner. “Women’s basketball is reaching new heights nationally, and I am both honored and excited to build on that momentum here in Seattle. We will pursue excellence, compete with purpose and work every day to elevate this program to new heights, making the women’s basketball program a source of pride for our campus and community.”
Bonner quickly turned the Fullerton program around, leading the Titans to a top five finish in the Big West behind its most conference wins (13) since the 1990-91 season with 11 underclassmen on its roster. The Titans ranked first in the conference averaging 71.8 points a contest and 39.9 rebounds per game, including a conference leading 18.6 offensive rebounds per game. On the defensive end, Fullerton led the conference with 480 steals, averaging 15.5 per game, and limited teams to 66 points per game while pacing the league with an 8.65 turnover margin.
Fullerton produced three All-Big West student athletes in 2025-26 under Bonner, with sophomore Cristina Jones capturing Co-Big West Best Hustle Player of the Year, All-Big West first team and all-defensive team honors. Kya Pearson earned an All-Big West honorable mention and Nicole Steiner was honored to the six-woman All-Big West freshmen team.
Bonner proved just as effective in elevating CSU Dominguez Hills, leading the Toros to two 30+ win seasons including a 2025 NCAA Division II Tournament championship appearance, the first in program history. He accumulated a 141-96 record while at the helm of Dominguez Hills while guiding the program to 97 conference victories, securing a conference regular season and tournament title in his final season.
Prior to Dominguez Hills, Bonner was an assistant at Fresno Pacific from 2010-16 where he helped lead the program to one of its best seasons since the early 2000s. During his tenure, Fresno Pacific produced two All-Americans while Bonner played a pivotal role in recruiting and scouting for the program.
Bonner got his coaching start as a student assistant at Fresno State where he aided the program in skill development while being a part of multiple NCAA tournament teams.
A native of Bakersfield, Calif., Bonner earned both his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in counseling from Fresno State.
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