Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball coach resigns after two seasons

Associate head coach Ray Alvarado named interim head coach

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:21am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of orange, blue, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The resignation of Cal State Bakersfield's women's basketball coach signals a chance to rebuild the program through a new strategic vision.Bakersfield Today

Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball head coach Ari Wideman has resigned from her position, effective April 20. Wideman recently finished her second season leading the Roadrunners, who had a 9-51 record during her two-year tenure. Associate head coach Ray Alvarado will take over as interim head coach, bringing 15 years of college head coaching experience to the role.

Why it matters

The resignation of Wideman comes after a challenging two-year stretch for the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball program, which has struggled to find success on the court. The transition to new leadership under Alvarado presents an opportunity to potentially turn the team around and rebuild the program.

The details

Ari Wideman stepped down as the head coach of the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team after two seasons. During her tenure, the Roadrunners compiled a 9-51 record. Associate head coach Ray Alvarado will take over as the interim head coach, bringing extensive experience as a college head coach to the role.

  • Wideman's resignation is effective on April 20, 2026.
  • Alvarado will assume the interim head coaching role immediately following Wideman's departure.

The players

Ari Wideman

The former head coach of the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team, who recently resigned after two seasons with the program.

Ray Alvarado

The associate head coach of the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball team, who will take over as the interim head coach following Wideman's resignation.

Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners

The women's basketball team at Cal State Bakersfield, which has struggled with a 9-51 record over the past two seasons under Wideman's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“We wish Ari the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her contributions to the program.”

— Cal State Bakersfield Athletics

What’s next

The university will conduct a search for a permanent head coach to lead the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball program going forward.

The takeaway

The resignation of Ari Wideman as the Cal State Bakersfield women's basketball head coach after two challenging seasons presents an opportunity for the program to regroup and rebuild under new leadership. The interim appointment of Ray Alvarado, with his extensive head coaching experience, could provide a stabilizing influence as the team looks to turn the corner and improve its on-court performance.