Chantel Osahor, assistant coach for Gonzaga women's basketball, has been recognized on the ABIS Coaches Watch List. This annual list, created by Advancing Beyond in Sports (ABIS), honors impactful coaches in both men's and women's college basketball, emphasizing those from non-Division 1 programs. Osahor joins a group of 20 assistant coaches and 11 head coaches on the women's list, reflecting their significant contributions to the game. Gary Charles, ABIS founder, highlighted the organization's commitment to promoting coaches across all divisions. This marks the fifth year of the Watch List, aimed at elevating the visibility of successful coaches in the sport.

By the Numbers
  • 20 assistant coaches are included on the women's ABIS Coaches Watch List.
  • The list recognizes a total of 31 coaches across both men's (16 head, 20 assistant) and women's categories.
Yes, But

While the Watch List is a step toward recognizing coaches from diverse backgrounds, it still primarily focuses on individuals outside Division 1, which may overlook the broader spectrum of talent across all levels of college basketball.

State of Play
  • The ABIS Coaches Watch List aims to shine a light on the achievements of coaches in non-Division 1 programs.
  • This year marks the fifth iteration of the list, indicating its growing importance in the coaching community.
What's Next

As the basketball season progresses, Osahor and her colleagues will continue to gain visibility due to this recognition, potentially leading to further opportunities and partnerships within the sport.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Chantel Osahor on the ABIS Coaches Watch List underscores the importance of celebrating coaches from all divisions, aiming to inspire a more inclusive environment in college basketball.