Noelle Quinn Joins UCLA Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

UCLA announced on August 5, 2026 that former Bruin star and WNBA head coach Noelle Quinn will serve as an assistant coach for the 2026-27 season. The hire follows the departures of assistant coach Tasha Brown to Washington and the return of associate head coach Shannon LeBeauf.

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Quinn played guard for UCLA from 2003-07, becoming the first player in program history to record at least 1,700 points, 700 rebounds and 400 assists. She was selected fourth overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2007 WNBA Draft and enjoyed a 12-year professional career, winning the 2018 WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff UCLA women’s basketball coaching staff adds ex-WNBA coach alumnus Noelle Quinn 247SportsUSA TodayUCLA women's basketball hires former WNBA coach Noelle Quinn

She began coaching with the Storm in 2019, was promoted to associate head coach in 2020, and led the team as head coach from 2021-25, compiling a 97-89 record and capturing the 2021 Commissioner’s Cup. In 2025 she coached Breeze BC of the Unrivaled 3×3 league and serves as an assistant for the Canadian Senior Women’s National Team.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• 2007 – Drafted No. 4 overall by the Minnesota Lynx.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• 2018 – Wins WNBA championship with Seattle Storm (player).

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• 2019-2020 – Seattle Storm assistant, then associate head coach (championship).

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• 2021-2025 – Storm head coach (97-89 record, 2021 Commissioner’s Cup).

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• 2025 – Coaches Breeze BC (semifinal run).

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• July 22 – Assists Canadian national team in victory over UCLA.

UCLA women’s basketball coaching staff adds ex-WNBA coach alumnus Noelle Quinn

• August 5, 2026 – Announced as UCLA women’s basketball assistant coach.

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• Draft position: 4th overall, 2007 WNBA Draft.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• WNBA career: 12 seasons, five teams.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• Championships: 2018 title (player); 2020 title (assistant coach); 2021 Commissioner’s Cup (head coach).

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• College records: First Bruin with 1,700 pts, 700 reb, 400 ast; 4th in points, 8th in rebounds, 7th in assists in program history.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

• Coaching record with Storm: 97-89 (.522) over five seasons.

Women’s Basketball Adds Noelle Quinn to Coaching Staff

The program highlighted Quinn’s “full-circle moment” returning to her hometown and alma mater. Quinn expressed enthusiasm for learning from Close’s “servant leadership” and contributing to the Bruins’ continued success.

UCLA women's basketball hires former WNBA coach Noelle Quinn

> “I’m just honored to be on Cori’s staff, to be able to add value, but also to learn from a championship-level coach whose servant leadership is on full display every day,” — Noelle Quinn

UCLA women’s basketball coaching staff adds ex-WNBA coach alumnus Noelle Quinn

The defending NCAA champions add a coach with elite playing pedigree and professional head-coaching experience. Quinn’s defensive acumen and player-development focus are expected to complement Close’s system, while her recent work with the Canadian national team adds international insight. The staff now includes associate head coach Tony Newnan, assistants James Clark and Soh Matsuura, and associate head coach Shannon LeBeauf, creating a deep bench of coaching talent for the 2026-27 campaign.

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