DAEJAH BERNARD
Tempe
Summary
Elite Division I women’s basketball coach with a proven track record of developing high-level talent, elevating program performance, and contributing to winning at the highest level. Known for elite guard development, recruiting impact, and a defensive-first mindset that emphasizes pressure, discipline, and toughness. Builds competitive, high-accountability cultures that translate to success on the court.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Coach
Arizona State University
01.2025 - Current
- 24-win season (highest since 2015–16)
- +14 win improvement (best among major conferences)
- NCAA Tournament appearance (first since 2019)
- Undefeated non-conference season (13–0)
- Defensive system implementation (pressure, discipline, toughness)
- Player development, scouting, and game planning
Assistant Coach
Grand Canyon University
01.2023 - 01.2025
Assistant Coach | 2023–2025
- Key contributor to 56–11 overall record and historic program success
- Helped lead program to:
- WAC Regular Season Championship (2025)
- WAC Tournament Championship (2025)
- First NCAA Tournament appearance in program history
- First 30-win season in program history
- Designed and implemented player development systems, specializing in guards and perimeter skill work
- Emphasized defensive principles and accountability, contributing to team success and player recognition on defensive teams
- Led scouting reports and film breakdown, integrating defensive game plans and opponent tendencies
- Assisted in recruiting high-level Division I talent
- Played a major role in practice execution and on-court instruction
- Built strong player relationships focused on toughness, discipline, and development
Director of Basketball Operations
Grand Canyon University
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Managed logistics, travel, and scheduling
- Organized practice structure
- Assisted recruiting coordination
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Drury University
Springfield, MO06.2020
Skills
- Player Development
- Recruiting
- Scouting
- Defensive Systems
- Leadership
- Culture Building
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Development-driven coach committed to building disciplined, high-character teams through accountability, relationships, and a defensive foundation that drives winning.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & RECRUITING IMPACT
- Developed athletes into:
- WAC Player of the Year
- WAC Defensive Player of the Year
- 6 WAC All-Defensive Team selections
- 3 First Team All-Conference selections
- 2 Second Team All-Conference selections
- WAC Sixth Woman of the Year
- Proven ability to identify, recruit, and develop elite-level talent
- Strong emphasis on defensive IQ, effort, and consistency
Playing career
Drury University | 2016–2020
- 128–8 Career Record
- 4-Year Starting Point Guard
- NCAA Division II All-American
- 3× GLVC Defensive Player of the Year (2018–2020)
- All-Time Assists Leader (607)
- 4× GLVC Tournament Champion
- 4× GLVC Regular Season Champion
- 2019 NCAA Regional Champion
- 2019 NCAA Final Four Appearance
- 4 NCAA Tournament Appearances
- Multiple All-Conference Selections
- 3rd All-Time in Steals (402)
HONORS & RECOGNITION
30 Under 30 Coaching Award Nominee, Drury University Hall of Fame Inductee
Timeline
Assistant Coach
Arizona State University
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Coach
Grand Canyon University
01.2023 - 01.2025
Director of Basketball Operations
Grand Canyon University
01.2023 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Drury University