SAMANIEGO STILL BASKING IN CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY

By Patrick Lujan

The last couple of weeks has been an incredible right for Ashley Samaniego.The Director of Athletic Performance/Head Strength Coach of the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team not only experienced the team’s first ever national championship on April 5th, but had front rows seats to the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York just a week later to witness six of his players get drafted into the pro league, a record five of them in the first round.

The Bruins wrapped up an incredible 37-1 record by crushing the formidable South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51 led by stars Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez. 

The 2007 Simon Sanchez graduate shared his thoughts of these great accomplishments with GSPN.

GSPN: First off, how does it feel winning the national championship?

AS: It’s unbelievable. There’s not many people that get to experience a championship at this level. To witness it and to stand under the confetti was truly a dream come true. That night, I couldn’t stop thinking about where I came from and how this experience was something nobody would’ve ever guessed nor imagined.

GSPN: The journey likely started when the season ended last year. How much of your training goes into this championship run?

AS: Everybody’s role is important. From the players, coaches, dietitian, and myself. Each piece of the machine has to function at its best. With that said, this year we put a big focus on speed and power (“explosive”) during training – our team likes to push in transition. Additionally, I help with our weekly training loads on court using GPS-like trackers and other technology. This process helps us with optimizing our conditioning, recovery, and mitigating risks of injury.

GSPN: Keeping these athletes in tip top shape is your job. How rewarding is it for you to see them at their peak performance?

AS: I really love my job. However, I’m more grateful that I get to work with high caliber athletes, who are high caliber people. Helping them get fitter, stronger and faster is a bonus.

GSPN: How much time do you spend in the training room with them and what types of relationships have you built?

AS: I see our players every day. Whether we are doing a big lift, working on mobility, recovery, etc, I’m one of the first they see before practice. I’m with them so much that I get to learn who they are as people. I even know their families and favorite songs.

GSPN: You ended up going to the WNBA Draft in New York. How was that?

AS: We had front row seats and VIP treatment. It was awesome. Though sleeping was tough because my hotel room was right above Times Square – First World problem. That trip wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for our amazing donors. Shout out to them for making that happen!

GSPN: A record five Bruins in the 1st Round. How proud were you seeing your players get called?

AS: Yes. Six total drafted, and five in the first round. With each name called, it was exciting and emotional. These young women have been working on their craft since they were little girls. For it to pay off at the highest possible level for six people, on the same team, on the same night seems statistically impossible. Not to mention the look in the proud parents faces really had me fighting my tears.

In addition to the half dozen coaches on the staff, the team includes Samaniego’s position as well as an athletic trainer and physical therapist. “We all collaborate. I just want to differentiate these roles for those that might want to seek these professions.”

Prior to UCLA, where he has been at for two seasons now, he was the Director of Athletic Performance at California State University, Northridge. You can read his story on his upbringing HERE.