The Seattle Medium
When John Bonner took over the Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball program last year, the challenge was clear: turn the Titans into a competitive program. By the end of the season, the Titans had produced their best record in decades and reestablished themselves as a force in the Big West Conference.
That type of rapid turnaround is what Seattle University is hoping for as it has hired Bonner as the new head coach of its women’s basketball program.
“Coach Bonner is a proven winner,” said Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink. “He brings a sharp basketball mind paired with a demonstrated ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. During his 10 years as a head coach, he has consistently built winning programs anchored by a focus on developing high-character student athletes and a strong commitment to culture and preparedness. With John Bonner leading the way, we are excited to elevate our women’s basketball program to meet the competitive standard of the West Coast Conference, align with the expectations of Seattle University and, more broadly, the excellence of women’s basketball in the city of Seattle.”
Bonner’s path to Seattle has been defined by steady program building and consistent success at multiple levels of college basketball.
At Cal State Fullerton, Bonner led the Titans to 18 wins and a Big West Conference Tournament quarterfinal appearance in his first season. The team recorded 13 conference wins, its highest total since the 1990-91 season, and ranked among conference leaders in scoring, rebounding and defensive pressure.
“I am grateful to Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink and President Eduardo Peñalver for the opportunity to join Seattle University and lead this program,” said John Bonner. “Women’s basketball is reaching new heights nationally, and I am both honored and excited to build on that momentum here in Seattle. We will pursue excellence, compete with purpose and work every day to elevate this program to new heights, making the women’s basketball program a source of pride for our campus and community.”
Before arriving at Fullerton, Bonner built CSU Dominguez Hills into one of the most successful programs at the Division II level.
Over eight seasons, Bonner compiled a 141-96 record and guided the program to consistent postseason appearances. The Toros reached a national peak during the 2024-25 season, finishing 36-2 and advancing to the NCAA Division II national championship game for the first time in program history. The season also included conference regular season and tournament titles.
Bonner also led CSU Dominguez Hills to a 31-3 season in 2022-23, further establishing the program as a contender in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
That sustained success followed years of development, with Bonner building the program through recruiting, player development and a focus on culture.
Prior to becoming a head coach, Bonner served as an assistant at Fresno Pacific from 2010 to 2016, helping guide the program to one of its strongest seasons in more than a decade while contributing to recruiting and scouting.
A native of Bakersfield, California, Bonner earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling from Fresno State.
Now, Bonner steps into a Seattle University program that went 5-25 last season and ended the year on a 14-game losing streak, averaging 61.0 points per game while allowing 75.9, as he looks to continue his track record of building winning programs.
