Miami University head women’s basketball coach Cleve Wright announced the promotion of Ashley Saia to Assistant Coach on Tuesday. Saia spent the past season as Miami’s Director of Basketball Operations.

“I am happy to elevate Ashley to a coaching position in our program,” said Wright. “She is committed to our program and the culture we are building. She is a good teacher on the floor and loves to serve.”

Last season with the RedHawks, Saia assisted in all aspects of team’s operations. She was in charge of all team travel and camps, while helping out with scheduling and practice planning.

Prior to her time at Miami, Saia spent the 2012-13 season as an assistant coach at Gannon under Wright. While with the Knights, she helped coach the defense and worked with perimeter players. Saia helped with scouting, team travel and organized and facilitated all film exchange. She helped lead them to a 31-5 record and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2013. She saw forward Jen Papich earn honorable mention All-America status and four players make All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference teams. Saia also served as an operations intern for the Cal women’s basketball team during the 2011-12 season, a year in which the Bears went 25-10 and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Saia was a four-year letterwinner at Bentley University, serving as team captain her final three seasons. She led the Falcons to a 28-5 record and the NCAA Division II Elite 8 as a senior in 2011.

“I am grateful to Coach Wright for the opportunity to work at a special place like Miami for another year,” said Saia. “I am excited for my new role and I am looking forward to working alongside a hard working staff and with a dedicated group of student-athletes.”

A California native, Saia comes from a coaching family. Her dad is the boys basketball coach at Marin Catholic and was a longtime Division I collegiate referee. Her uncle, Jim Saia, is currently the head coach at Cal State San Marcos.

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