A Coach With Deep Arizona Roots
Elijah Knox, a former player development coach for the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm, was announced this week as the new head coach of Xavier College Prep, the all‑girls Catholic high school that has long been a pipeline for elite basketball talent in the Southwest.
Knox brings more than a decade of professional experience, having helped shape the development of WNBA stars such as Diana Taurasi and contributed to the Mercury’s championship culture under Sandy Brondello. His journey to the high school sidelines began in the club ranks, where he founded Arizona Athletics and guided teams to the Under‑16 adidas Gold National Championship in 2023.
Beyond the résumé of titles, Knox’s personal connection to Arizona runs deep. He played high school basketball in the state, coached at the club level, and even taught at Simpson College before returning to the desert to take on this new challenge.
His primary goal is to restore Xavier’s reputation as a perennial Open Division contender. ‘We have the talent, the community support, and the tradition,’ Knox said in his introductory press conference. ‘My job is to harness that energy and turn it into sustained success on the court.’
The hiring comes as Xavier prepares to navigate a competitive landscape that includes strong programs from across the region. Yet Knox remains undeterred, emphasizing that the school’s rich history and its network of alumni, including former Mercury standouts like Diana Taurasi, provide a solid foundation for rebuilding.
Fans and alumni alike have expressed optimism, noting that Knox’s blend of professional insight and grassroots involvement could bridge the gap between club success and high school achievement. As the new coach steps onto the gym floor, the next chapter of Xavier basketball begins with a promise of renewal and ambition.