Ward, a two-time first team all-conference selection, was named CIF co-Player of the Year and all-city MVP by the Irvine World News after leading the Warriors of Woodbridge High School to the CIF Division III-AA Championship last March. She averaged 18.5 points per game, including a career-high 33 points in the CIF title game against Marlborough High School.

"We are excited to sign Ashley Ward," Bonvicini said. "She is the embodiment of a Seattle University student-athlete. She owns a 3.4 cumulative grade point average, is a hard worker, smart, and a winner. I am glad she is joining the SeattleU family and excited that she is my first signee here at SU."

Bonvicini will make her Seattle University head coaching regular season debut this Friday, Nov. 13, against UC Davis at the Connolly Center beginning at 7 p.m. The next night, the Redhawks face Concordia University (Ore.) starting at 7 p.m., also at the Connolly Center. Live stats will be available for both games on GoSeattleU.com.

The Seattle University athletic department is currently in Year Two of the reclassification process towards moving back to full NCAA Division I status.