LA MIRADA, Calif --- Biola Women's Basketball doesn't hit the ground running until October 15. That hasn't stopped Head Coach Alan Nakamura from preparing his team to be the best they can be, including adding two new faces and experienced coaches to his coaching staff. 

Akilah Martin joins Nakamura's staff as the lead assistant while Gamal Smalley joins as an assistant coach. Together, Martin & Smalley round out the women's basketball coaching staff for the 2021-22 season. 

"We are blessed to add coaches and people of the quality of Coach Martin and Coach Smalley to our Biola Women's Basketball Coaching Staff," commented Nakamura. 

Both Martin and Smalley are accomplished in many areas, but most importantly, have hearts for the Lord and for young people. "Top that off with their passion for, and deep knowledge of basketball and we can't wait to get the ball rolling here!" said Nakamura. 

Martin's collegiate career began in the Big West Conference where she played four years at NCAA Division I UC Riverside. As a Highlander, Martin helped lead the team to a 16-0 regular-season conference record in her final season and a WNIT birth. Beyond her success on the court, Martin was named to the all-academic team multiple times during her playing career. 

Following her time as a student athlete, Martin served as a graduate assistant at her alma mater UC Riverside from 2016-2018.

Martin last served as an assistant at Junipero Serra (JSerra) Catholic High School for 2 years, where she helped guide the Lions to CIF playoffs in their first year in Division 1A and winning seasons in the highly-competitive Trinity League. She also coached highly talented AAU basketball in Southern California with the Cal Sparks program.

"Coach Martin is a valuable hire as she has experience as a high-level recruit, and has played and coached with and for some outstanding coaches," said Nakamura. "She does an excellent job of taking care of business on and off the court, and will do excellent work with our Student-Athletes.

Martin earned her bachelor's degree in Public Policy in 2016. She then completed her master's degree in Public Policy with an emphasis in Social/Cultural Policy Impact. Biola Women's Basketball players can expect a coach who is always present and open to learning from her players, as well as be a sound voice of reason on the court and throughout their college experiences. 

With over 20 years of coaching experience, Gamal Smalley brings valuable experience and perspective to Nakamura's program. Coach Smalley spent four seasons as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Pasadena City College with legendary Hall of Fame coach and mentor, George Terzian. 

Smalley made his debut as a Head Coach at Ribet Academy in 2006 where he led the boy's team to the CIF Southern Section 5AA Championship Finals. Smalley continued to coach as an Athletic Director at Blair High School, John Muir High School and Maranatha High School. With each program he coached in, Smalley made an immediate impact on the court and in the lives of his student-athletes. 

Smalley has also coached boys and girls in a variety of basketball summer camps including: Michael Jordan's "Flight School" Basketball Camp, Michael Cooper's "King D" Basketball Camp, and Ryan Hollins' "Get Buckets" Skills Camp.

Smalley graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Business Management and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management. He completed his Doctoral studies at Argosy University and is in the degree completion program at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Coach Smalley has a passion for using the game of basketball to serve young people, and to help them to be all that the Lord has made them to be," said Nakamura. "He is a tireless worker and will be a blessing to our Student-Athletes and recruits and their families."

Coach Smalley and his wife Natalie are active members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and have attended the NABC convention and NCAA Final Four for 20 years. "I am honored to have the privilege of serving in this new coaching capacity. I hope to assist with transformational leadership that will help guide our team while having a ton of fun in the process," comments Smalley.

Nakamura and his new coaching staff are excited for the upcoming season and continue to work together to prepare the women's basketball team for October 15. "Our philosophies and ideas have come together and we work as a cohesive group so that we can best serve our student-athletes," said Nakamura. 

Biola kicks off its season on the road as the Eagles take on San Diego State on November 1.