Renee Jimenez

Renee Yvonne Jimenez (born December 22, 1981) is an American college basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos women's basketball team. She previously served as a head coach at the NCAA Division II level with Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, and Cal State San Marcos.

Early life and playing career Jimenez grew up in an athletic family in Ventura, California, and began playing basketball "around the age of eight or nine" in her driveway. She also went to UC Santa Barbara women's basketball games and camps from an early age. As a junior in 1999, she was an honorable mention all-Channel League selection. As a senior, Jimenez helped the Cougars win the Santa Barbara Nike Tournament of Champions Large Schools title at the Thunderdome on her 18th birthday and earned second-team all-Channel League honors. She also played on a club team called the Ventura Stars.

Jimenez played one year at Ventura College under head coach Ned Mircetic and won the 2001 California junior college championship before transferring to San Francisco State University (SFSU). She played three seasons for the Gators from 2001 to 2004 and finished her career as the program's all-time leader in three-pointers made (131) and attempted (397). A team captain for two years, Jimenez also set school records for most three-pointers made (62) and attempted (195) in a single season. She earned her bachelor's degree from SFSU in 2004 after studying a major in liberal studies with an emphasis in kinesiology and a minor in athletic coaching.

Coaching career While still in high school, Jimenez helped teach at local girls' basketball clinics. In a 2021 interview with The Cougar Chronicle, she stated that she decided to pursue a coaching career while she was in college.

Cal State Monterey Bay

Personal life Jimenez has a wife named Chelsea and a daughter named Quinn. The couple later had twins.