Hunt Returns to UCI Women's Basketball as Assistant Coach
June 24, 2026 | Women's Basketball
IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine women's basketball head coach Tamara Inoue has announced the hiring of alum Naomi Hunt as an assistant coach.
"Naomi is an outstanding addition to our program," Inoue said. "She has a deep understanding of this university, the conference, and what it takes to develop student-athletes into successful competitors and leaders. Her versatility and passion for the game will elevate our program in every area."
Hunt returns to Irvine following a one-year stint at Cal State East Bay, where she was an assistant coach in 2025-26. Prior to her time with the Pioneers, she served as an assistant at Concordia University Irvine, where she held a wide range of responsibilities including film, travel, academics, recruiting, and scouting. During her tenure with the Golden Eagles, Hunt coached a PacWest Freshman of the Year and three all-conference selections.
Hunt was a standout student-athlete in The Big West, playing at both UC Irvine and Long Beach State. As a senior in 2022-23, Hunt was a member of the Anteaters' first Big West regular season championship team. That squad also advanced to the second round of the WNIT. In 2021-22, she led the 'Eaters to the Big West championship game and the program's first WNIT appearance. Hunt transferred to UCI from Long Beach State where she was a two-time All-Big West honoree. She closed out her collegiate career with 1,161 points and 212 made threes.
Hunt graduated from UC Irvine's Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in 2022. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from LBSU in 2021.
"Naomi is an outstanding addition to our program," Inoue said. "She has a deep understanding of this university, the conference, and what it takes to develop student-athletes into successful competitors and leaders. Her versatility and passion for the game will elevate our program in every area."
Hunt returns to Irvine following a one-year stint at Cal State East Bay, where she was an assistant coach in 2025-26. Prior to her time with the Pioneers, she served as an assistant at Concordia University Irvine, where she held a wide range of responsibilities including film, travel, academics, recruiting, and scouting. During her tenure with the Golden Eagles, Hunt coached a PacWest Freshman of the Year and three all-conference selections.
Hunt was a standout student-athlete in The Big West, playing at both UC Irvine and Long Beach State. As a senior in 2022-23, Hunt was a member of the Anteaters' first Big West regular season championship team. That squad also advanced to the second round of the WNIT. In 2021-22, she led the 'Eaters to the Big West championship game and the program's first WNIT appearance. Hunt transferred to UCI from Long Beach State where she was a two-time All-Big West honoree. She closed out her collegiate career with 1,161 points and 212 made threes.
Hunt graduated from UC Irvine's Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in 2022. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from LBSU in 2021.
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