June 21, 2008

ATHENS, Ohio-Ohio women’s basketball coach Semeka Randall announced Saturday that Ryan Bragdon and Shauna Bookal have been named assistant coach and director of basketball operations, respectively.

Bragdon comes to Athens from Western Michigan where he served as an assistant coach for seven years. His duties at WMU included recruiting, opponent scouting, coordinating team travel, player strength and conditioning, graphic design and standard game day and practice coaching assignments. He worked primarily with the Bronco post players but also helped in mentoring three All-Americans (Kristin Koetsier, Casey Rost and Carrie Moore).

A native of Spokane, Wash., Bragdon graduated from the University of Washington, earning a degree in English in 2001. He served as a manager for the UW women’s basketball team from 1998-2001, which included a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2001. His duties with the Huskies included handling equipment issues, assisting with team travel and video scouting, and various game day and practice duties.

Bragdon joined the Bronco staff in September of 2001 after serving as the equipment manager for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm for two seasons, one of which was the inaugural season for the franchise in 2000. His duties with the team included handling all equipment issues, coordinating ball kids, assisting with team travel, and various game day and practice responsibilities.

“I'm excited about having Ryan onboard,” said Randall. “He brings valuable years of Mid-American Conference experience coming from Western Michigan. He will coordinate our recruiting and scheduling efforts. In addition to his main duties, he will be involved in player development and scout preparation.”

Bookal joins the program after serving as a sports marketing intern at West Virginia University where she completed her Master’s degree in Sports Management. A native of Toronto, Ontario, Bookal organized the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Wrestling Championships while completing her Bachelor’s degree (Sport Management) at Brock University in St. Catherine’s, Ontario in 2005. She also organized the Christmas party for the Junior Badgers at Brock and Lords Kids Club at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario.

Additionally, Bookal developed the gameday basketball and volleyball manual for Brock. She completed her graduate certificate in sport business management at Durham in 2006. She also served as a minor official at the 2006 Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) Men’s Basketball Final Four.

At Ohio, Bookal will oversee team travel, community outreach and day-to-day office responsibilities.

“I am very fortunate to have Shauna on staff,” Randall said. “She has a great background with marketing and promotions which will help with our community outreach programs.”

The Bobcats finished the 2007-08 season with a 20-13 record, which is the program's first 20-win season since 1994-95 (23-7).