Sabrina White, M.A.
Sabrina White, M.A., is a highly accomplished women’s basketball coach with nearly two decades of experience in player development, program building, and competitive team leadership. Currently serving as a Lead Assistant Coach at California State University, Los Angeles, she played a pivotal role in leading the program to its first-ever CCAA Tournament Championship. Known for her strategic mindset and strong work ethic, Sabrina has built a reputation for transforming programs and developing athletes both on and off the court, with a focus on performance, academic success, and long-term growth.
Throughout her career, Sabrina has gained valuable experience across multiple levels of the sport, including collegiate athletics, professional development programs, and national platforms. She has contributed to scouting and analytics initiatives with Sports Business Classroom and participated in the NBA Assistant Coaching Program, further strengthening her expertise in high-level basketball operations. In addition, her role as a Los Angeles Sparks Ambassador highlights her commitment to community engagement and advancing the visibility of women in sports. Notably, she has also served as a coach at the NBA G League Elite Camp, an honor held by few women, showcasing her leadership on a national stage.
Sabrina holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Sports Science and a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in mentorship, resilience, and the belief that success is built through hard work and intentional development. Passionate about empowering the next generation, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for young women in sports and advocating for greater representation in coaching. Through her work, Sabrina continues to inspire athletes and colleagues alike while shaping the future of women’s basketball.
• Master of Arts (M.A.), Coaching and Athletic Administration
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Exercise Sports Science
• Sports Business Classroom – Business of Basketball Immersive Experience
• ASEP Certification
• Concordia University Irvine – Master of Arts (M.A.), Coaching and Athletic Administration
• Concordia University Irvine – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Exercise Sports Science
• CCAA Tournament Championship (First in Cal State LA Program History)
• Recognition as Los Angeles Sparks Ambassador (WNBA)
• Selection as Coach, NBA G League Elite Camp (NBA Combine)
• Influential Women
• Black Coaches Association
• Women's Basketball Coaching Association
• Team USA
• Vegas for Athletes (Heart Checkups for Athletes)
What do you attribute your success to?
I think the first tutelage would be my father and my godfather, being football coaches, so being brought up as a daughter of a coach, and getting that tutelage to know what that looks like first. And then the importance of academia in my family, and going for my master's, and having my master's in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University in Irvine. So that opens up doors, so any door that I walk into, nobody can tell me, no, that I'm not qualified. So having, I think, both - having the family background, and having that education, and actually having that academia, academic education, I think those two things kind of like my perfect storm. My journey wasn't like everybody else's, where it wasn't cookie-cutter, there wasn't a blueprint. But with hard work and a grind, you could build yourself up and get to the top.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is simple but powerful: whatever you put your mind to, do it. I also live by the idea that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. That mindset pushes me every day to think bigger, aim higher, and stay committed to growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to dream big, stay visible, and put in the work. Representation matters—young women can’t become what they don’t see. It’s important to pursue education, seek mentorship, and create opportunities not just for yourself but for others coming behind you. There’s no single blueprint for success, so you have to be willing to build your own path with confidence and persistence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the field right now is the growing visibility and support for women in basketball, including advancements in compensation and recognition, especially in leagues like the WNBA. At the same time, challenges remain, particularly around underrepresentation of women in elite coaching roles. There is also an important need to advocate for athlete health and safety, such as ensuring access to preventative care like heart screenings for athletes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are mentorship, service, and helping others achieve their dreams. Basketball is what I do, but my purpose goes beyond the game—I’m passionate about creating environments where people can grow and thrive. I take pride in helping others reach their full potential and being a visible example for the next generation. I also value staying true to myself and maintaining a genuine desire to uplift those around me.
Locations
National Basketball Association (NBA) Assistant Coaching Program
West Covina, CA 91791