Union Names Stanley Head Women's Basketball Coach

Ryan Stanley
May 8, 2026

(Story provided by Union Commonwealth Athletic Communications)

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University has announced the hiring of Ryan Stanley as the 11th head coach in the history of its women's basketball program, following a comprehensive national search conducted by a hiring committee with representatives from across campus.

Stanley brings a high-energy approach and strong basketball IQ to Union after spending the past two seasons as assistant women's basketball coach at Cumberland University (Tenn.), where he served as the program's director of recruiting, scouting, and player development. During his time there, he helped guide the program to a significant turnaround, improving from an 8–22 record to 15–13 in just one season, and was nominated for Mid-South Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2025.

Prior to his time at Cumberland, Stanley spent three seasons at Christian Community Schools in White House, Tennessee. After two years as an assistant, he was promoted to head coach and steadily improved the team's record each year. He has also been deeply involved in player development through AAU basketball, leading two high school boys' teams while organizing practices, camps, and tournaments.

Stanley's experience extends to the national stage, having coached at prestigious events such as Snow Valley Basketball Camps and Chris Paul CP3 National Middle School Combine and Rising Stars Camp, where he served as a station leader and evaluator among some of the top young talent in the country.

"Ryan separated himself during a very thorough search process," said Clay Butler, Vice President for Athletics. "He brings a great feel for the game and a clear vision for where this program can go. We're excited about the direction he'll take Union women's basketball."

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Stanley is a graduate of Hendersonville High School. He played collegiate basketball and studied marketing at Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Kentucky, and also attended Volunteer State Community College.

Stanley now takes the helm of a Union program with a strong tradition and looks to build on that foundation as he leads the Bulldogs into their next chapter.