I proudly introduce myself, Coach Armstrong, as a new member of the Banana Slugs family, hailing from the vibrant University of Colorado. Over the course of my journey, I've dedicated six fulfilling years to the women's basketball program, commencing as an academic mentor and seamlessly transitioning into the roles of Recruiting Coordinator and Special Assistant.
Before my time at Colorado, I made impactful strides as an assistant at Mt. San Antonio College nestled in the sun-kissed realms of southern California. My coaching journey flourished even further as I assumed the role of head coach at the West Coast Premier Basketball Academy, a rewarding chapter spanning seven years.
Within my personal sphere, I am delighted to share my life with my beloved wife, Akilah Bradley-Armstrong, a remarkable figure in her own right as UC Santa Cruz's Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success. Together, we have established our home in the scenic embrace of Santa Cruz, where we cherish precious moments with our cherished daughter.
My initial steps in the realm of women's basketball commenced a decade prior, as I embarked on a transformative ten-year stint with the illustrious women's basketball coaching staff at Mt. San Antonio College (Calif.). During this period, I played pivotal roles as the first assistant coach, director of operations, and recruiting coordinator, contributing significantly to the attainment of six state titles for the Mounties. A remarkable facet of this era was my simultaneous leadership as the head coach of the West Coast Premier Basketball Academy from 2008 to 2015.
As a former point guard for the Mounties, I etched my presence through two spirited seasons, consistently leading the team in steals during my freshman and sophomore years. My basketball odyssey continued with a captivating junior season at Metro State in Denver before culminating in a rewarding finale at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2014, I proudly received my bachelor’s degree in business communications from the esteemed University of Phoenix. This impending fall, I eagerly anticipate the culmination of my master's degree in higher education from the prestigious University of Colorado Boulder.
A native of Diamond Bar, Calif., my formative years were enriched with vibrant experiences on the basketball court and softball field at Diamond Bar High School. It was during this time that I had the honor of sharing the court with the accomplished WNBA star, Diana Taurasi, in AAU basketball.
Beyond the realm of coaching, I find immense joy in participating in competitive adult sports leagues. My foray into coaching was driven by a profound desire to give back and spotlight the significance of a diverse staff in fostering leadership development among student-athletes. My coaching philosophy is firmly rooted in the principles of imparting the game's wisdom, nurturing the individual's growth, cultivating leadership acumen, and nurturing emotional maturity.
