UNCW women’s basketball Head Coach Nicole Woods announced the addition of South Carolina alum Ashley Bruner as the Seahawks’ Director of Operations for the 2023-24 season.
Bruner spent last season as an assistant coach at Tuskegee University, a Division II HBCU in Alabama. She began her post-playing career for the Golden Tigers following a seven-year overseas professional player career.
“Ashley was someone I was drawn to during the interview process,” said Woods. “She comes from good stock and has a heart to help and serve others. She will have an on-court role and assistant with the post-player development. We are super excited to have her on our team!”
Bruner’s primary duties as Director of Operations will include overseeing all operational logistics while executing a comprehensive academic and athletic plan to ensure student-athlete and program success.
A native of Norma, Okla., Bruner played for the 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 am ecstatic to join Seahawk Nation as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations,” said Bruner. “I am truly grateful to Coach Woods for the opportunity to join this staff. She is building something special, and I am thankful to be on this journey with her and the team.”
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.
