Bills Named Assistant Coach For Women's Team

PROVO -- BYU Head Coach Jeff Judkins has announced the appointment of Ali Bills, former University of Utah basketball standout, to be an assistant for the women's program. Bills replaces Tom Gneiting, who resigned last month after completing his graduate degree from BYU.

This is Bills' second stint as an assistant for the Cougars. She was on the coaching staff during the 1999-2000 season, before returning to her alma mater as an assistant to Elaine Elliott last year.

"I'm very excited to have Ali on my staff and I see this as a great asset for both me and the team," said Judkins. "She has a lot to offer in this program, is very energetic, has a great mind for basketball and has a great rapport with the girls. This will be a wonderful opportunity for both of us to work together."

Bills' primary responsibilities will include recruiting, strength and conditioning, scouting reports and will also work with the small guards. During her collegiate career at the University of Utah, she was a member of two WAC All-Defensive teams in 1996-97 and 1997-98 as well as the 1997-98 All-Conference Team. She held the national record for most assists during the 1996-97 season and a second-place finish the following year in the same category. Bills led both the conference and the school in assists during her four years at Utah, received the Occie Evans Award and was the co-Female Athlete of the Year. After college, she played one season professionally in Europe.

"I'm really excited to come back and work with the girls," said Bills. "This is a great career choice for me and a great opportunity to work with coach Judkins. I'm thrilled to be back to a place that I've grown to love as well, and I'm excited to get started right away.

The 2000-01 women's basketball season opens on November 16 against Boise State in Boise. The team's first home game is on Nov. 24 against Washington State.