CHICAGO – UIC head women's basketball coach Ashleen Bracey announced Monday that John McCray will be elevated to associate head coach after serving as an assistant coach for the Flames the past two seasons.
 
"I am so excited to elevate John to associate head coach," Bracey said. "John is a future head coach and operates as such daily. His loyalty, work ethic, and knowledge of the game have been instrumental in the growth of our program. We are so excited to continue to grow alongside him and help UIC women's basketball reach new heights."
 
"I am deeply honored for the opportunity to be named associate head coach," McCray said. "Thanks to Coach Bracey, our administration, staff and student athletes for the trust and belief in me. I am grateful to be a part of this great environment and community at UIC. I look forward to continue the work to drive our program to the next level."
 
McCray joined the UIC women's basketball program in May 2024, bringing a jam-packed resume that includes stints as an assistant coach at Northern Kentucky (2023-24), Holy Cross (2020-23), Florida (2017-20) and Chattanooga (2014-17). He has been a part of six different championship teams, including four consecutive Southern Conference titles during his time at Chattanooga.
 
McCray's experience made an immediate impact on the Flames' program through player development, practice planning, recruiting and oversight of UIC's defensive strategies. His contributions have helped the Flames achieve significant success during his first two seasons.
 
In 2024-25, McCray helped UIC secure its third consecutive postseason appearance while earning the program's first WNIT victory with a win over UAB at Credit Union 1 Arena.
 
This past season, McCray played a key role in the development of guard Jessica Carrothers, who became the first UIC women's basketball player to earn first-team All-MVC honors since the Flames joined the Missouri Valley Conference four years ago. He also worked closely with forward Julia Coleman, who earned MVC All-Defensive Team recognition along with All-MVC Third Team accolades, becoming the program's first All-Defensive Team selection in any conference since 2020.
 
For more information on UIC women's basketball, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WBB and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wbb and @uicflames).

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