Grand Canyon University Hires South Carolina Assistant Coach Winston Gandy as Next Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Grand Canyon University (GCU) has made a significant move to elevate its women’s basketball program by hiring Winston Gandy as the new head coach. Gandy, who has been an integral part of the South Carolina women’s basketball staff since 2023, is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge and championship pedigree to GCU. This announcement, made through an official school release, signals a new chapter for the Lopes’ women’s basketball team, which is looking to build on its recent success and establish itself as a formidable force in collegiate basketball.
A Stellar Coaching Journey
Winston Gandy’s path to becoming a head coach at Grand Canyon is one shaped by hard work, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to developing players. Prior to joining Coach Dawn Staley’s coaching staff at South Carolina, Gandy had already accumulated extensive experience as a coach. His tenure with the Gamecocks marks a high point in his career, as he played a crucial role in guiding the team to a National Championship in 2024. Gandy’s ability to connect with players, develop their skills, and contribute to South Carolina’s success makes him a natural fit for the head coaching position at GCU.
At South Carolina, Gandy was instrumental in helping the team secure one of the most coveted titles in NCAA women’s basketball—the National Championship. As an assistant coach, he worked alongside some of the best minds in the game, including the legendary Coach Dawn Staley, whose leadership has earned South Carolina multiple national titles and widespread recognition as a powerhouse in women’s basketball. Gandy’s role in the championship run is a testament to his tactical acumen, player development skills, and commitment to building a team culture that thrives under pressure.
A Promising Future at Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University has been making strides in athletics, particularly with its women’s basketball program, and the hiring of Winston Gandy reflects the university’s desire to reach new heights. Gandy’s reputation as a coach who understands how to win at the highest level, particularly in the NCAA tournament, is expected to help the Lopes elevate their game and compete with the best teams in the nation.
With his background at South Carolina, Gandy brings a wealth of experience that extends beyond simply coaching players on the court. He is well-versed in the importance of building a strong team culture, fostering a winning mentality, and developing players into professional-caliber athletes. At GCU, he will be tasked with continuing to cultivate these elements while also competing at a high level in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
The GCU women’s basketball team has made considerable progress in recent years, with strong performances in the WAC and several appearances in postseason tournaments. The hiring of Gandy signals the university’s commitment to taking the program to even greater heights. With his track record at South Carolina, there is little doubt that Gandy will have a lasting impact on the team.
One of Gandy’s strengths is his ability to work with diverse rosters and tailor his coaching approach to fit the individual needs of each player. This personalized style of coaching will be crucial as he takes the helm at GCU, where the team will continue to develop its talent while seeking new recruits to help strengthen the roster. Gandy’s experience in coaching at the highest levels of college basketball makes him an ideal leader for a program that has its eyes set on national prominence.
Staying with South Carolina Until the End of the Postseason
Despite officially being named the head coach at Grand Canyon, Gandy is expected to stay on the South Carolina staff through the end of their postseason run. This transition period allows Gandy to help the Gamecocks finish the season strong, contributing to their pursuit of another national title, while also preparing to take over his new role at GCU. This unique situation speaks to Gandy’s professionalism and dedication to both programs—he is committed to seeing out the season with his current team while making the necessary preparations for his upcoming challenge at Grand Canyon.
This will also provide Gandy with the opportunity to complete his work with the players and staff at South Carolina, ensuring a smooth transition for both teams as they move forward into next season. His continued involvement with South Carolina’s postseason journey will be important for the players he has coached and will help them stay focused as they look to defend their championship.
The Big Picture for Gandy and GCU
For Gandy, this is a momentous opportunity to lead a Division I women’s basketball program in a new direction. He inherits a team that has shown promise in the WAC but is eager to achieve a higher level of success on the national stage. Grand Canyon University has made impressive strides in athletics, with its men’s basketball team gaining national attention, and now the women’s program is ready to follow suit.
The GCU administration is undoubtedly excited about the potential for growth under Gandy’s leadership. His experience at South Carolina, where he helped create one of the most dominant programs in women’s basketball, will be invaluable in building the GCU program into a competitive force. With Gandy at the helm, the Lopes’ women’s basketball team could very well become a program to watch in the years to come.
Conclusion
Winston Gandy’s hiring as the head women’s basketball coach at Grand Canyon University represents a bold move by the institution to elevate its program to new heights. His track record at South Carolina, including a National Championship in 2024, proves that he has the experience and expertise to lead the Lopes to success. As he finishes out the postseason with the Gamecocks, Gandy’s transition to GCU will mark the beginning of a new era for the women’s basketball team, one filled with potential and excitement. With Gandy at the helm, GCU is poised for a bright future in collegiate basketball.