GCU tabs South Carolina assistant Winston Gandy as women’s hoops head coach

Grand Canyon has hired South Carolina assistant coach Winston Gandy as the women’s basketball team’s new head coach, the university announced Monday.

“Our goal is to have a top 25 women’s basketball program in the country, and we identified someone who has recruited, coached and developed elite players at the very highest levels in college basketball and in the NBA,” Grand Canyon president Brian Mueller said in a release.

“He is a highly sought-after star in the world of women’s college basketball. He has turned down numerous other opportunities, and he chose GCU.”

The move comes a day after former Grand Canyon head coach Molly Miller was officially tabbed as head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils women’s team.

In her final season at GCU, Miller and the ‘Lopes went 32-2 on the way to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance since joining Division 1 (2013-14). Across five seasons at Grand Canyon, Miller posted a 117-38 record (.755).

Gandy is currently in his second season with the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s team, which punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

“I’m thrilled for Winston Gandy on being named the head coach at Grand Canyon University,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said in a press release. “Over the past two seasons with our program at South Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand his incredible work ethic, recruiting talent and passion for the game. Winston is one of the hardest workers and best recruiters in our sport, and he’s a true student of the game.

“More importantly, he genuinely cares about our players and builds real relationships on and off the court. He’ll always be part of our Gamecock family, and I know he’s ready for this opportunity. I have no doubt he’ll do a fantastic job at GCU, and I can’t wait to watch him thrive as a head coach.”

A 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 on the biggest stage. pic.twitter.com/ZW6lNAsa1n

— GCU Women's Basketball (@GCU_WBB) March 24, 2025

New GCU women’s coach Winston Gandy’s basketball resume

After working as Maryland’s director of recruiting operations (2013-14) and a coordinator of player development for the Washington Wizards (2014-17), Gandy got his first coaching job as an assistant at Rice (2017-19).

He was eventually promoted to associate head coach (2019-2020) before taking an assistant coaching job at Duke (2020-22). He saw a similar trajectory as a Blue Devil, moving up to associate head coach by 2022-23.

From there, he joined Staley’s coaching staff, where he worked closely with perimeter shooters.

He played a big role in South Carolina’s run to a championship last year.

Now, he takes over a Grand Canyon program coming off an incredible run under Miller.

“I’m beyond honored and absolutely thrilled to be the head coach at Grand Canyon University,” Gandy said in a release. “Grand Canyon is a truly special place and we will continue to show the world exactly what we’re about. Thank you to president Brian Mueller and vice president of athletics Jamie Boggs for this opportunity.

“GCU has a strong culture of excellence, and I’m ready to elevate the women’s basketball program even further. Let’s work!”

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