IRVINE, Calif. – Former UC Irvine women's basketball standout Lauren Saiki has returned to the program as an assistant coach.
"I am proud to welcome Lauren Saiki to our coaching staff," head coach Tamara Inoue said. "Lauren was the first point guard I recruited during my tenure at UC Irvine, and having her return in this capacity is a full-circle moment that speaks volumes about her dedication and character. She truly embodies the mission of UCI, not only earning her undergraduate degree here, but also completing her Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Paul Merage School of Business. Her passion for the game, commitment to excellence, and deep ties to this university will be invaluable to our program and inspiring to our current and future student-athletes. 'Eater Nation, please join me in giving a warm welcome to our first alumni hire during my time at UCI."
Saiki, who hails from Monterey Park, was a fan favorite at UC Irvine where she was a two-time All-Big West selection, earning first-team honors as a senior (2020), and honorable mention recognition as a junior (2019). The 5-foot-3 point guard started all 94 games, finishing with 963 points, 447 assists, and 107 3-pointers made in her three seasons with the Anteaters. Her 447 assists rank second among UCI's all-time leaders. In 2019-20, Saiki broke the single-season school record with 215 assists, while her 6.9 assist average was tops in the conference and third in all of NCAA Division I. Saiki spent her freshman year at West Virginia.
Saiki also excelled in the classroom, receiving Big West All-Academic honors all three years. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in sociology in 2019, and completed UCI's Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in 2020.
