Langston University head women’s basketball coach Chris Vincent announced the appointment of Ashley Bruner as the assistant head coach for the women’s basketball program.
“I am ecstatic to join Coach Vincent’s staff as the assistant head coach. I’m honored to be a part of everything he is building at Langston,” Bruner said. “It’s going to be an exciting year.”
“Oklahoma basketball has had the biggest impact on my life. I feel incredibly blessed to now have the chance to come back home and have a hand in shaping the future of women’s basketball in the state. I am thankful to Coach Vincent and Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers for this opportunity! L’s Up!”
Prior to her arrival at Langston University, Bruner served on staff at NCAA DI University of North Carolina-Wilmington and NCAA DII Tuskegee University. She began her post-playing career for the Golden Tigers following a seven-year overseas professional playing career.
A native of Norman, Okla., Bruner played for the South Carolina Gamecocks under Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley from 2009-13. She made 128 appearances in her four-year career. She started all 33 games as a senior when she averaged 10.3 points and 8.1 rebounds, earning an All-Southeastern Conference Second-Team nod for her efforts.
While at South Carolina, Bruner helped the Gamecocks reach two NCAA Tournaments (2012 and 2013) and a WNIT berth (2011). South Carolina also raced to the Sweet Sixteen in 2012.
“I could not be more ecstatic to welcome Coach Ashley Bruner to our staff here at Langston. Our new foundation is in a great place with the right people and players in place,” Vincent said. “Her successful career as a player at the highest level and her coaching experience at an HBCU last year checked all the boxes our program needs. I can’t wait to bring her back home to Oklahoma and work alongside her every day.”
Vincent also pointed out the hiring of Coach Bruner is a full circle moment for himself and the Bruner family.
“It’s quite unique when she reached out to me about the position and there was only one Ashley Bruner I have ever known. Little did she know, I coached her brother Jordan Bruner at Yale University where he was one of the hardest workers and best talents I have been around at that level before finishing up at Alabama,” Vincent noted. “She has been in a successful basketball family, and I know full-heartedly she will connect with the players on many levels and bring tremendous value to our program.”
Bruner’s professional career began in 2013 and has included stints in Ecuador, France, Italy, Portugal, Puerto Rico and Spain. Some of her highlights include Portuguese League Champion and Player of the Year, and EuroCup Player of the Year and Forward of the Year amongst other accolades.
She spent her final professional year in France, playing for the Landerneau Bretagne Basket. Prior to her stint in France, she spent two years at the Gray Collegiate Academy in Columbia, S.C., one as the assistant and last season as the head coach.
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