A Central Valley native with three decades of coaching experience and a proven record of program building, Ray Alvarado has been named Head Coach of the Cal State Bakersfield women\u2019s basketball program, as announced by CSUB acting Director of Athletics\u00a0Dr. Sarah Tuohy.<\/p>\n
Alvarado, who joined the Roadrunners in summer 2025 as Associate Head Coach, was named Interim Head Coach in April 2026. Following a national search, he now takes over the program on a permanent basis with the interim tag removed.<\/p>\n
\u201cRay brings exactly what we were looking for at the helm of our women\u2019s basketball program,\u201d Tuohy said. \u201cHis extensive coaching career, including his experience at the junior college level, has given him a deep understanding of how to develop players and win \u2013 and his record speaks for itself. What excites me just as much is his connection to the Central Valley. That connection is core to what it means to be a Roadrunner, and Ray is going to recruit this backyard with a passion and credibility that will be transformative for our program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before arriving in Bakersfield, Alvarado served as the Head Coach at Hawai\u2019i Pacific University, leading the Sharks\u2019 women\u2019s basketball program after a highly successful 13-year run as Head Coach at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif. At COS, Alvarado guided the Giants to a CCCAA State Championship Final Four appearance in 2022 and multiple Elite Eight berths while earning five Central Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors.<\/p>\n
Alvarado also spent time as the Head Coach at Fresno City College, Bullard High School and Sanger High School, building a career rooted in the San Joaquin Valley. His teams have a reputation for player development, discipline, recruiting connections and strong community ties.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving been born and raised in the Valley, it was a goal of mine to come back home and give back to the community that helped shape my coaching profession over the years,\u201d Alvarado said. \u201cWhen I left College of the Sequoias for Hawai\u2019i Pacific, the goal was always to return home. I have a strong connection with the city of Bakersfield, as many of our former student-athletes came from local high schools. I owe this basketball community a great amount. It is truly a blessing and privilege to lead Cal State Bakersfield women\u2019s basketball. I\u2019m thankful and honored to have the support of President Harper and Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Tuohy.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his time at College of the Sequoias, Alvarado developed one of the region\u2019s most consistent junior college programs, establishing recruiting pipelines throughout the Central Valley while overseeing all aspects of the program, including scheduling, budgeting, scouting, fundraising, academic progress and community involvement.<\/p>\n
Alvarado\u2019s coaching career began in the high school and junior college ranks, including stops at Sanger High School and Fresno City College. At Sanger High, he led the girls\u2019 basketball program to a Central Section championship and a CIF State Tournament appearance in 2000. He later coached the boys\u2019 program at Sanger before continuing his college coaching career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always felt compelled that if I was going to expect much from my players, I wanted to make sure their effort would equate to success from all the hard work they put in,\u201d Alvarado said. \u201cDisciplined teams win in the long run. There will be no shortcuts to success. Over the years I learned from exceptional coaches that transformational relationships will take a program further than simply transactional ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about his team\u2019s playing style, Alvarado described a philosophy that matches Kern County to its core: \u201cOffensively we will have an open, up-tempo style. Defensively, we will model what the Valley is \u2013 hard work, blue collar, no excuses, and a relentless attack mentality. Simply, I know no other way. I know our fans will appreciate our program and what we will represent. It will always be about a culture of toughness, physicality, family and unselfishness.\u201d<\/p>\n