Ari Wideman has transitioned from a professional player in Iceland to an assistant coach at Xavier University's women's basketball team. After a successful collegiate career at the University of Nevada, where she grew passionate about coaching, Wideman leveraged her experiences from various coaching roles, including as a head coach at Cal State Bakersfield, to enhance her skills. She is determined to foster player development and cultivate relationships in recruitment, emphasizing the importance of building a strong program. Wideman is excited about the opportunity to contribute to Xavier's growth and set a positive trajectory for the women's basketball team.

By the Numbers
  • Wideman started all 62 games in her final two seasons at the University of Nevada.
  • She recorded 110 assists in just 30 games during her sophomore year.
State of Play
  • Wideman is currently adapting her coaching strategy at Xavier, focusing on player skills and program-building.
  • She highlights the importance of fostering relationships in player recruitment amid the current NIL era.
What's Next

Wideman aims to implement her learned coaching philosophies at Xavier, with hopes of optimizing player performance and building deeper connections within the recruitment landscape. The program's upward trajectory indicates potential for significant growth and success under her contribution.

Bottom Line

Ari Wideman鈥檚 journey reflects a passion for coaching and a commitment to player development, which could play a crucial role in elevating Xavier women's basketball. Her focus on building relationships and understanding the nuances of recruitment will be essential in navigating the modern landscape of college athletics.