Head women's basketball coach Des Abeyta returns for her second season with Sonoma State after being named the head coach for the 2022-23 season (Click
HERE for release). During her first year at the helm, Abeyta picked up where the program left off and clinched a spot in the CCAA Tournament, finishing 6th in league play. The program's postseason berth went down as the 6th straight conference tournament appearance since 2017. The Seawolves finished with a 16-13 overall record and 13 wins in conference action. Abeyta also produced three all-conference selections including First Team recipient Alli McDonald.
"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 joined Sonoma State after 15 years on the sidelines for the UC Davis women's program. 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 also a student-athlete during her playing days as she was a standout player for UC Davis from 1996-99, playing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association prior to UC Davis making the jump to Division I. 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.
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 over to the men's side as that program's 8th head coach. He was previously the women's head coach from 2017-2022.
