Chico State women's basketball alumna Annie Ward begins her first season as assistant coach.
Ward, who played for head coach Brian Fogel from 2011–15, rejoins her alma mater after five successful seasons coaching at the junior college level—four at nearby Butte College and most recently at College of the Sequoias. In both stints, she served under head coach Tyler Newton.
During her one season at College of the Sequoias, the Giants posted an impressive 31–1 record, with their only loss coming in the 3C2A State semifinals to eventual champions Mt. San Antonio College. The team led the state in scoring (85.7 points per game) and field goal percentage (.481), while ranking second in free throw percentage (.728) and third in three-point field goal percentage (.347).
Ward and Newton first teamed up at Butte College, where over four seasons they guided the Roadrunners to an 81–13 record. The program made back-to-back 3C2A State semifinal appearances, including a trip to the championship game in 2023. Butte also captured four consecutive Golden Valley Conference titles and reached the state quarterfinals three straight years.
Following her graduation from Chico State, Ward began her coaching career at Pleasant Valley High School as an assistant varsity coach. In her lone season, the Vikings finished 22–7 and won the Northern Section championship.
In addition to coaching, Ward has worked as an education specialist. She served in that role for Bellevue Union School District (2017–20), Chico Unified School District (2020–24), and most recently with RCM Technologies.
As a player, Ward helped the Wildcats to a 70–43 record over four seasons. She was part of the 2012–13 team that went 23-6 en route to a CCAA Championship run and an NCAA Regional appearance. Ward was also the recipient of the Betty Lou Raker Scholarship and served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as a senior.
A native of Lafayette, California, Ward earned all her degrees from Chico State, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology in 2015, an Education Specialist Credential in 2017, and a Master of Arts in Education in 2020.
