There's a new Coach T in town.
When Triana Allen graduated from Gonzaga in 2003 and left for a job in the criminal justice system in the LA area, a void was left in the team. No longer was there the pumping fist and the fiery displays of emotion and encouragement when the Gonzaga women stole the ball or took a charge or scored an AND1.
Coach Kelly Graves' women continued to improve, however, and inched ever closer to a WCC championship and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Still, the Bulldogs earned a berth in the WNIT.
But there was that one missing ingredient that only the 5'6" guard brought: fire. One could only wonder what might've been if Triana was somehow still around last year.
Now, with the talent constantly getting better through outstanding recruiting and development, that missing ingredient will be back, on the sidelines, exhorting her former team from the position of an assistant coach.
Triana Allen is back.
The Long Beach, CA., native will fill the shoes left by the highly popular coach Toriano Towns who recently accepted an assistant coaching job at Arizona. It will be no easy challenge but if anyone can do it, it's Triana.
One of the most likeable, personable and engaging personalities, Allen will be asked to network, scout and ultimately spearhead recruiting efforts in talent-rich southern California. The X's and O's will come under the tutelage of one of the best in the business, Kelly Graves. Triana will begin her coaching career by teaching the guards and backcourt play.
Zags Hoops welcomes Triana Allen back to Gonzaga University.