TicketsCINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati women’s basketball head coach Katrina Merriweather has announced staff promotions and additions ahead of the 2025-26 season.
// STAFF PROMOTIONS
Ashley Barlow, Abby Jump and Kabrina Merriweather have each been elevated to associate coaches. They will continue to oversee their secondary responsibilities.
Abby Owings has been promoted to director of scouting and analytics/assistant coach while Michal Miller has moved into the role of director of player development/assistant coach.
Layah Neal has been elevated to sport program associate entering her second season with the Bearcats.
// DENHAM NAMED ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
In July 2025, Symone Denham was named Cincinnati’s assistant general manager. She arrives following a successful coaching career that includes recent stints as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at ETSU and Bradley.
"Symone brings 10 years of coaching experience, extensive business knowledge, and a commitment to the student-athlete experience," said Merriweather. "She is perfect for this new role and will serve our program as the landscape of women’s basketball continues to evolve."
She also spent five seasons at the University of New Mexico, beginning as video coordinator in 2017 before moving into assistant coach and director of basketball operations roles. A five-time honoree in the WBCA Thirty Under 30 program, Denham has been recognized as one of the top up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches.
Denham played collegiately at Wright State from 2012 to 2016, helping the Raiders to the program’s winningest season in history and the 2014 Horizon League Championship.
// OWENS RETURNS AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Former Bearcat standout Ana Owens has joined the Cincinnati staff as director of operations.
Owens played at Cincinnati from 2014 to 2018 and remains one of the program’s all-time great guards. She ranks in the top 10 in career games played, minutes played, 3-pointers made, free throw percentage and assists.
"We, and the Bearcat community, are thrilled to welcome Ana back home," said Merriweather. "She brings corporate experience, a unique perspective as a former student-athlete, and a special love for Cincinnati. I’m confident she will transition into her role and our staff effortlessly."
After her UC career, Owens played professionally in Germany with the Chemnitz Chemcats before working in human resources and operations. She holds two degrees from Cincinnati, earning a bachelor’s in organizational leadership in 2018 and a master’s in human resources management in 2021.
// 2025-26 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL STAFF
Head Coach: Katrina Merriweather (Third Season)
Associate Coach / Offensive Coordinator: Ashley Barlow (Third Season)
Associate Coach / Recruiting Coordinator: Abby Jump (Third Season)
Associate Coach / Director of Culture Development: Kabrina Merriweather (Third Season)
Assistant Coach / Director of Scouting & Analytics: Abby Owings (Third Season)
Assistant Coach / Director of Player Development: Michal Miller (Third Season)
Director of Basketball Operations: Ana Owens (First Season)
Assistant General Manager: Symone Denham (First Season)
Sport Program Associate: Layah Neal (Second Season)