CSUB Women's Basketball Coach Ari Wideman Resigns Immediately

Wideman's departure comes amid broader coaching changes and scandals across CSUB athletics programs.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, burgundy, and olive green overlapping to create a sense of motion and chaos.The resignation of CSUB's women's basketball coach reflects broader turmoil within the university's athletics programs.Bakersfield Today

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) announced on Tuesday night that women's head basketball coach Ari Wideman has resigned effective immediately. Wideman was hired in May 2024 as the program's first Black female head coach, but her resignation comes just over a month after she was placed on paid administrative leave.

Why it matters

Wideman's resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile coaching changes and scandals that have rocked CSUB's athletics programs over the past year, including the departures of the men's basketball and swimming and diving coaches, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct within the softball program.

The details

Wideman was hired in May 2024 as the program's first Black female head coach, following CSUB's decision not to renew the contract of longtime coach Greg McCall in March 2024. Her resignation comes just over a month after she was placed on paid administrative leave for undisclosed reasons.

  • Wideman was hired as CSUB women's basketball coach in May 2024.
  • Wideman was placed on paid administrative leave in March 2026, just over a month before her resignation.
  • Wideman's resignation was announced on April 15, 2026.

The players

Ari Wideman

The former head coach of the CSUB women's basketball team, who resigned effective immediately on April 15, 2026.

Greg McCall

The longtime CSUB women's basketball coach whose contract was not renewed in March 2024, leading to Wideman's hiring.

Kyle Conder

The former CSUB Director of Athletics who departed the university in September 2025.

Violet Salazar

A CSUB softball player who posted a TikTok video in March 2025 alleging abuse by softball coaches.

James Davenport

A former CSUB softball assistant coach who was accused of sexual assault by Violet Salazar and was no longer employed by the university as of October 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to investigate any allegations of misconduct and ensure the safety and well-being of our student-athletes.”

— Kyle Conder, Former CSUB Director of Athletics

What’s next

CSUB has not yet announced a timeline for hiring a new women's basketball coach to replace Wideman.

The takeaway

The resignation of Ari Wideman as CSUB's women's basketball coach is the latest in a series of high-profile coaching changes and scandals that have rocked the university's athletics programs, raising concerns about the overall leadership and culture within the department.