Winston Gandy has officially been named the new head coach of the women’s basketball team at Grand Canyon University, a decision announced on March 24, 2025. This marks a new chapter in Gandy’s career, following a successful stint as an assistant coach at South Carolina, where he was part of the coaching staff that secured a national championship last year.
Gandy joined the South Carolina Gamecocks under head coach Dawn Staley in April 2023 and quickly made a name for himself within the program. His expertise and dedicated work ethic were instrumental in guiding the Gamecocks to their title victory, which culminated in a win over Iowa. Gandy replaced Fred Schmiel, who accepted a head coaching position at Bowling Green State. This new appointment at Grand Canyon will be Gandy's first as a head coach at the collegiate level.
The announcement comes as the Gamecocks prepare for the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, with Gandy set to participate in a press conference at Grand Canyon later today before returning to South Carolina to support his former team. "I’m beyond honored and absolutely thrilled to be the head coach at Grand Canyon University," said Gandy in his official statement. He emphasized that GCU has a remarkable culture of excellence and expressed his eagerness to elevate the women’s basketball program to further heights.
Gandy takes over the program from Molly Miller, who has left Grand Canyon following an impressive five-year tenure. Under her leadership, the Antelopes reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in its history but faced a first-round elimination at the hands of No. 4 Baylor. This achievement was a significant milestone for the school, showcasing the growth and potential of their women's basketball program.
At Grand Canyon, Gandy's hiring has been met with excitement, with the university's leadership praising his credentials. GCU President Brian Mueller highlighted Gandy as “a highly sought-after star in the world of women’s college basketball,” noting that he had declined other offers before choosing GCU as his next destination. This speaks volumes about the university's commitment to building a successful sports program.
Before joining South Carolina, Gandy accumulated extensive coaching experience. He served as the associate head coach at Duke during his last year there (2020-2023) and had similar responsibilities during his time at Rice (2017-2020). He also worked with the Washington Wizards from 2015 to 2017 in a player development role and was the director of recruiting at the University of Maryland for a brief period in 2013 and 2014.
Dawn Staley, the head coach at South Carolina, praised Gandy’s contributions, particularly in a high-stakes environment. “I’m gonna tell you, Winston Gandy did a hell of a job on this scout,” she remarked shortly after their title win, commending his dedication and impact on the preparation for the championship game. She added, “A hell of a job. He lost a lot of sleep. We had very little prep time. He explained it in a way that our kids could lock in and execute. And they weren’t going to be denied.”
As Gandy steps into this new role at Grand Canyon, expectations are high. His track record both at South Carolina and in prior positions underscores his potential to inspire and lead the women's basketball team to new achievements. The program's growth is not just about numbers on a scoreboard; it's about fostering a culture of excellence that Gandy aims to instill.
With the backdrop of the NCAA Tournament and the momentum of his recent success, Gandy’s transition to head coach comes with excitement, challenges, and a strong sense of purpose. The Grand Canyon women’s basketball team will look to build on its past successes while eagerly anticipating the future under Gandy’s leadership. The upcoming season will be a crucial time as Gandy embarks on this journey, setting the stage for a promising chapter at Grand Canyon University.
