Promotion Announcement in APU Women’s Basketball Program
AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific University has announced the promotion of Paige Uyehara to the position of Assistant Coach for the 2025–26 women’s basketball season. Uyehara, a celebrated alumna and former graduate assistant, transitions into this new role after an impressive playing career with the Cougars.
Coaching Background
During the 2023–24 season, Uyehara served as a graduate assistant under the leadership of both the renowned T.J. Hardeman and new head coach Dan Ploog. In this capacity, she played a significant role in helping the Cougars achieve a record of 22 wins and 7 losses, marking their eighth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
“Paige has been a cornerstone of our program—first as a player and now as a young coach,” said Coach Ploog. “She understands what it takes to compete at a championship level, and she brings passion, intelligence, and a deep loyalty to APU Women’s Basketball. She’s earned this opportunity, and our program is better because she’s a part of it.”
Playing Achievements
Over her five-season tenure with the Cougars from 2019 to 2024, Uyehara established herself as one of the program’s all-time leaders in several statistical categories:
- 10th in all-time scoring with 1,571 points
- 3rd in assists, recording 555
- 5th in three-pointers made with 204
- 6th in free throws made, totaling 369
- 9th in steals with 245
Uyehara was integral to the team’s success, contributing to three consecutive PacWest Conference Championships. She earned First Team All-PacWest accolades across her final three seasons (2021–24) and was honored with a spot on the D2CCA All-West Region Second Team for two consecutive years (2022–23 and 2023–24).
“I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Ploog and the entire athletic department for trusting me in this new role,” said Uyehara. “Azusa Pacific has shaped me in every way—as a player, student, and now as a coach. I’m excited to continue pouring into this program and these players.”
Future Endeavors
In her new coaching role, Uyehara will be instrumental in various aspects of the program, including player development, recruiting, and scouting. Her commitment will continue to enhance the culture of excellence synonymous with Cougar women’s basketball over the past two decades.
For the latest updates on APU Women’s Basketball, follow @APUCougars on social media and visit athletics.apu.edu.
