Yeshimbra Grey

The women's basketball program accomplished two goals yesterday when it hired its new assistant coach.

It not only got a quality assistant coach, but it took her away from a Pacific-10 conference rival.

Head coach Joan Bonvicini announced the hiring of former Washington assistant Yeshimbra "Shimmy" Grey yesterday as the program's replacement for former assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator Denise Dove Ianello.

"She is going to be a tremendous fit in our program," Bonvicini said. "She is a quality person, number one, and I have been most impressed with her people skills."

Grey just finished her third season at Washington, who UA tied with for second place in the Pac-10 last season. Her duties with the Huskies were both that of assistant coach and former director of operations.

"She brings a number of things to our program," Bonvicini said. "She brings experience, especially at the Division I level. She is also familiar with West Coast basketball and the Pac-10."

Last season, Grey helped develop the post players and worked with rebounding at Washington. Grey also brings with her playing experience. She played at Michigan from 1991-94 where she was a three-year starter and was a captain as a senior.

Grey's first day on staff will be May 5.

Bonvicini said Grey will be involved in many aspects of the team, including recruiting, scouting and on-floor coaching of post players and guards.

"I truly am excited about the opportunity to be part of the Arizona staff," Grey said in a press release. "I don't know if I'm more excited about working at Arizona or just excited about working with Joan Bonvicini. I've always considered her to be something of a pioneer in women's basketball. I know I'm going to grow and learn a lot working with her."