The Wisconsin women's basketball team shares holiday traditions, wishes and memories
A former team captain at Ohio State, Alysiah (a LYE sha) Bond is in her second season as an assistant coach on the Wisconsin women's basketball staff. Bond comes to Wisconsin after serving as the director of operations for the University of Arizona women's basketball program for the last three seasons. Bond joined the Arizona staff for the 2008-09 season after spending the previous season as an assistant coach at the University of Central Florida. At UCF, Bond was responsible for the development of the perimeter players, scouting and recruiting.
"I am quite fortunate to have competed in the Big Ten as a student-athlete and to have worked in the league office under great leadership. As a result, I have always been a follower and supporter of Big Ten athletics. It is an honor for me to now to serve as an assistant coach at Wisconsin and I will do so with the energy, passion and commitment that is owed to each current, former and future Badger.
"Make no mistake about it, my respect for Bobbie Kelsey is what brought me to Madison. When you spend time with her, it quickly becomes evident that she champions the cause of young people with great pride and enthusiasm. Simply said, she does things the right way with a true student-athlete first mentality and a drive and work ethic that really gives substance to her words.
Before her stint at UCF, Bond was an assistant coach at Murray State and also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Tennessee State University.
From 1998-2001, Bond served as the director of women's basketball operations at the University of Tennessee under the direction of Hall of Fame head coach Pat Summitt. She also held the position of Director of Special Programs for USA Basketball from 1997-98.
In addition to her coaching and administrative background, Bond has extensive experience in sports broadcasting. She served as a color analyst for Lady Vols telecasts from 2000-03 and Ohio State women's basketball radio broadcasts during the 2003-04 season. She also worked as a sports anchor, reporter and producer at NBC affiliates in both Knoxville, Tenn., and Columbus, Ohio.
"Alysiah Bond is no stranger to success on a national level and it is with this knowledge that I welcome her to the Badger program," said Kelsey. "As a former Big Ten point guard, Alysiah will draw upon her collegiate experience and Midwest ties to attract the type of student-athlete that will propel Wisconsin basketball to new heights.
"I am especially excited to welcome Alysiah to the program as she can share with our current student-athletes what is like to play for a national championship. Her coaching and playing experiences should also bode well when speaking with recruits and their families during the recruiting process. I am ecstatic about what her contributions will do for our program."
A native of Los Angeles, Bond played point guard at Ohio State for four seasons, helping the Buckeyes advance to the NCAA championship game in 1993. She was named OSU's best defensive player and team captain during her final two seasons. Bond graduated from Ohio State in 1995 with a degree in marketing.
