Alabama women’s basketball head coach Pauline Love announced the addition of former Long Beach State head coach Amy Wright to her staff on Thursday. Wright will serve as Love’s associate head coach for the Crimson Tide following a three-year stint with the Beach.
“Amy is one of the most respected recruiters and player developers in our game,” said Love. “Her ability to connect with players and elevate talent will be a huge asset for our program. She’s a winner, and, more importantly, she’s someone our players will trust and grow with every day.”
During her time at Long Beach State, Wright coached her squads to a pair of Big West Championships appearances, including a semifinals matchup, and in addition to coaching a handful of all-conference selections.
“I am honored to join Coach Love, along with Tyus, Chelsea, Chester and Cal, during her inaugural season as head coach at Alabama. Even prior to my playing days in the SEC, Alabama has always been a cornerstone of the conference in women’s basketball,” said Wright. “We have the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of what Coach Moody and Coach Curry built for the Crimson Tide and to continue the legacy of legends who have shaped this program. I am excited to be part of this next chapter and to help move Alabama forward. Roll Tide!”
With more than 23 years of experience, Wright will join Alabama after stints at Long Beach State (2023-26), Oklahoma (2021-23), Texas A&M (2012-21), Arizona State (2011-12), Cleveland State (2008-11), Western Kentucky (2006-08) and South Florida (2003-06).
Amy Wright Bio
- Spent the last three seasons at LBSU (2023-26), serving as head coach
- Coached nine All-Big West selections, including Patricia Chung, the Beach’s point guard during Wright’s first two seasons, bringing her total all-conference selections to 28
- Made a pair of Big West Championships appearances (2024, 25), including a semifinal matchup to conclude her first year at Long Beach State
- Served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Oklahoma (2021-23)
- Helped the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship title in 2023
- Aided in Oklahoma’s three-year run of NCAA Tournament appearances (2021-23)
- Coached the Sooners’ guards to a program record for assist/turnover ratio (1.23) and ranked in the top five in the nation in scoring (second; 84.4 ppg) and assists per game (third; 20.8 apg)
- Played an instrumental role in developing Madi Williams, a 2023 WNBA draft pick, Taylor Robinson and Ana Llanusa
- Spent nine seasons at Texas A&M as assistant coach under head coach Gary Blair (2012-21)
- Contributed to eight NCAA Tournament appearances with the Aggies, including four Sweet 16 matchups and an elite eight run in 2014
- Boasted the No. 8-ranked 2017 recruiting class in the nation per ESPNW
- During her one season at Arizona State (2011-12), she signed the program’s highest-ranked recruiting classes
- Coached three seasons at Cleveland State (2008-11) as assistant coach, helping the Vikings to a conference championship and a pair of postseason appearances
- Prior to Cleveland State, she spent two seasons at WKU (2006-08) and three years with the South Florida Bulls (2003-06)
- As a player, Wright started all four seasons under Coach Blair at Arkansas (1999-02)
- Led the Razorbacks to four-straight postseason appearances, including a 1999 WNIT Championship
- Participated in the WNBA Pre-Draft Camp before being drafted by the Detroit Shock in 2002
- A native of Williamsburg, Ind., she earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas and a master’s from Ohio
