SEATTLE – Seattle University women's basketball has announced the hiring of Cheryl Sorenson as an assistant coach on Coach Suzy Barcomb's staff for the 2021-22 season. Former Director of Operations Brittany Aikens will move up to be an assistant coach as well.
Sorenson was the Co-Head Coach at Everett Community College last season. Prior to that, she was the head coach at the University of Portland for five seasons.
Sorenson graduated from the University of Washington in 2003 with degrees in both communications and psychology. She was a team captain during her junior and senior campaigns, helping lead UW to two NCAA Tournaments, including the 2001 Regional Final, and a pair of WNIT berths. She claimed Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention accolades during her final year at UW.
"Cheryl brings a wealth of experience with her and will be a natural fit with our coaching staff," said Barcomb. "I've known her for many years and throughout the hiring process we've had great conversations."
"I am excited to have the opportunity to work at Seattle University, led by Coach Barcomb," said Sorenson. "We really connected with our philosophies on developing student athletes, and empowering strong women to have pride in their community. I also really appreciate the commitment the staff and University make to the student athletes' academic success. I can't wait to join the outstanding staff and contribute to the success of the program."
In the 2020-21 season, Aikens worked as Director of Operations on Barcomb's staff, helping plan and coordinate travel, meals, and many other aspects for the program. Aikens served as the Director of Player Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2019-20. She was a graduate assistant at Nevada prior to that. Aikens played at Fresno State, graduating in 2016. At Nevada, Aikens worked with recruiting, opponent scouting, and player development.
"Brittany has a bright coaching future ahead of her and I'm excited she is staying with our program," said Barcomb. "In the first year as our Director of Basketball Operations, she has proven herself on many levels."
"I'm super thankful for not only the opportunity Coach Barcomb has given me, but more importantly, the trust she has in me for this new role," said Aikens. "Having worked for Seattle U the past year, I've seen firsthand how the athletics department care about the student athlete as a whole, which I value. I've also been able to form working and personal relationships with the staff and players."
The Redhawks won 11 games in the 2020-21 campaign and will return its entire starting five for the upcoming season.
Sorenson was the Co-Head Coach at Everett Community College last season. Prior to that, she was the head coach at the University of Portland for five seasons.
Sorenson graduated from the University of Washington in 2003 with degrees in both communications and psychology. She was a team captain during her junior and senior campaigns, helping lead UW to two NCAA Tournaments, including the 2001 Regional Final, and a pair of WNIT berths. She claimed Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention accolades during her final year at UW.
"Cheryl brings a wealth of experience with her and will be a natural fit with our coaching staff," said Barcomb. "I've known her for many years and throughout the hiring process we've had great conversations."
"I am excited to have the opportunity to work at Seattle University, led by Coach Barcomb," said Sorenson. "We really connected with our philosophies on developing student athletes, and empowering strong women to have pride in their community. I also really appreciate the commitment the staff and University make to the student athletes' academic success. I can't wait to join the outstanding staff and contribute to the success of the program."
In the 2020-21 season, Aikens worked as Director of Operations on Barcomb's staff, helping plan and coordinate travel, meals, and many other aspects for the program. Aikens served as the Director of Player Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2019-20. She was a graduate assistant at Nevada prior to that. Aikens played at Fresno State, graduating in 2016. At Nevada, Aikens worked with recruiting, opponent scouting, and player development.
"Brittany has a bright coaching future ahead of her and I'm excited she is staying with our program," said Barcomb. "In the first year as our Director of Basketball Operations, she has proven herself on many levels."
"I'm super thankful for not only the opportunity Coach Barcomb has given me, but more importantly, the trust she has in me for this new role," said Aikens. "Having worked for Seattle U the past year, I've seen firsthand how the athletics department care about the student athlete as a whole, which I value. I've also been able to form working and personal relationships with the staff and players."
The Redhawks won 11 games in the 2020-21 campaign and will return its entire starting five for the upcoming season.