ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Following the conclusion of a national search, the Sonoma State University athletic department has named Des Abeyta as the head coach of the women's basketball program, as announced by Senior Director of Athletics Dr. Nicole Annaloro on Monday. 

"We are thrilled to have Des lead our Women's basketball program." Annaloro said.  "She brings a wealth of experience and a focus on team culture that we believe will enhance our student-athlete experience and continue to elevate the program."

Abeyta joins Sonoma State after 15 years on the sidelines for UC Davis.  She began as an assistant coach for the Aggies in 2007-08, the school's first year in Division 1.  After spending 11 years as assistant on Jennifer Gross's staff, Abeyta was promoted to the position of associate head coach in 2018.  

"The Seawolves program is primed to make noise in the CCAA and I am grateful to be named the new head women's basketball coach here at Sonoma State University.  I am thankful to Athletic Director Dr. Nicole Annaloro, Deputy Director Jared Chasey and the program's current women's basketball players for the trust they have placed in me." Abeyta said.

As the associate head coach, Abeyta helped lead the Aggies to a 71-35 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in the last four seasons. She was involved in all aspects of the program, working closely with the post players as well as on-court instruction of both the offense and defense, scouting, recruiting and camps.  

Prior to UC Davis, Abeyta spent two seasons as the varsity head coach at Forest Ridge High School in Bellevue, Washington and one season as an assistant coach at North Seattle Community College.  

Abeyta was a standout player for UC Davis from 1996-99, playing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.  She helped lead the Aggies to a 94-22 overall record in her four seasons and was twice named to the All-Conference team.  Abeyta still ranks among the school's career leaders in points, rebounds and blocked shots.  

The Sonoma State women's basketball program is coming off a sixth place finish in the CCAA and their fourth straight conference tournament appearance.  The Seawolves will return ten players including six that averaged at least five points per game.  

"Sonoma State is a special place, and I am excited to become part of a community with this much pride, excellence and tremendous character.  A special thank you to Jennifer Gross, Sandy Simpson and my UC Davis Aggie family for their leadership and guidance in preparing me to be a head coach. I am excited to build upon the championship culture that so many coaches at Sonoma State have established and can't wait to get started." Abeyta added.

Abeyta becomes the seventh head coach of the women's basketball program in school history.  She replaces Rich Shayewitz who moved from Interim Director of Basketball back to his previous position as a head coach, now overseeing the Seawolves men's basketball team. 
 
What people are saying…

"The entire Sonoma State community is going to love Des! She is an unbelievable coach who is passionate about mentoring young women and has been a huge part of our success at UC Davis. I know she will build a culture of selflessness and respect in her program, while helping student-athletes gain the confidence to excel not just on the court but in all aspects of their lives. Des has never just been my coaching colleague, she is my former teammate, one of my best friends and just an incredible human being. All of us at UC Davis will miss her so much but are very excited for her and for Sonoma State Women's Basketball!" - Jennifer Gross, Head Coach UC Davis 

"Coach Des brings a lot of passion and energy through her coaching style. She connects with players and provides support on and off the court through love and compassion. Her combination of fun and discipline will surely guide Sonoma State to a lot of success." - Rachel Nagel, UC Davis basketball player 2014-18

"Coach Des has been an amazing coach to me throughout my career. Her basketball knowledge has helped establish UC Davis as a top mid major presence on the West Coast. She has developed many talented players over her decades long career and has helped shape me into the player I am today. Coach Des has been my biggest champion and I hope her future athletes get to feel that same unwavering support during their careers and beyond. I can't wait to see what she can accomplish at Sonoma State!"  - Morgan Bertsch, UC Davis basketball player 2014-19

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