by Taylor Cotie

On October 3, the Greensboro College athletic department announced the hiring of Aaron Fernandez as the head coach of the women’s basketball team. Before his hiring at GC, Fernandez was the assistant coach for the Guilford College women’s basketball team from 2023 to 2024. During his 15 year coaching career, Fernandez has worked at all three NCAA Division levels.

The Collegian had the opportunity to speak with Fernandez on his background as a basketball coach and his first season with the Pride. When speaking with Fernandez about his past coaching experiences, he said, “I think each level had amazing things about them as well as their own unique challenges. During my time at the Division I level, I learned a lot about program organization, player development and scouting. I also was able to be a part of some big games like playing Duke University at Cameron Indoor and playing other well-known programs like the University of Florida, Georgetown and Virginia Tech.”

When asking Fernandez how these previous coaching experiences have prepared him for the head coach position for the women’s basketball team, he replied, “I have been so fortunate to work with other amazing coaches and programs during my 15 year career. I began my career as a high school coach where I learned how to develop a more adaptable and flexible approach to coaching since I could not recruit like you can at the college level. Each year, our roster could change drastically. So, I learned a lot of different styles of play and how to be adjustable. During this time, I also coached some youth basketball too, which forces you to be a better teacher.”

Fernandez added, “Unrelated to specific coaching experiences, the last thing that has prepared me is my passion for the science of coaching and my educational background. I have my bachelor’s in physical education from Western Carolina University and a masters in Coach education and athlete development from Xavier University. I love the science behind how people learn new skills and concepts. I have appeared on several podcasts and coaching clinics as well, discussing coaching methodology and was even selected as a speaker for the 2023 and 2024 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Final Four National Conventions.”

The GC women’s basketball program had a successful 2022-2023 season, winning the USA South Conference Championship title with an undefeated conference record of 18-0. This season, Coach Fernandez hopes to bring the team back to the top. When asking Fernandez what his goals are for the team, he said, “Greensboro College women’s basketball has a rich tradition of excellence. Take the last 20 years for example: they have won about 70% of their games, nine conference championships, seven NCAA tournament appearances and 11 seasons with 20 plus wins. Those are elite numbers and even just two years ago, this program had a record of 26-3 and were the conference champions. So, we are not that far removed. My goal for this year is to lay the foundation to reset that standard and learn to compete again and what it takes to win consistently. Over the next few years, our goal is to return to the top of the USA South and the NCAA tournament while also ensuring that we are doing great things in the classroom and giving back to the Greensboro College community.”

 The women’s basketball team has had a strong start to their 2024-2025 season. Although they were defeated by Virginia Wesleyan University, 46-59, the team secured a victory over Division III Regent University, 61-33. Senior Azuria Barrino led the team with 11 points, while freshman Nakiyah Kelly had 10 rebounds and junior Kat Robinson contributed with two assists. The team also had a phenomenal home win on Sunday, November 17, against Mid-Atlantic Christian University, 86-27. Freshman Meah Brooks led the game with 27 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.

As fall sports come to a close, winter sports have officially begun, and the GC women’s basketball team is aiming for a successful season under a new head coach. The team will face off against Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia on Sunday, December 1 at 2 p.m.