Ali Elmi was hired in July 2026. This is his first season with the Titan's Woman's Basketball program.
Coach Elmi will also serve as the program's recruiting coordinator.
Elmi arrives at Cal State Fullerton with nearly 15 years of coaching experience at the D1, D2, D3, NAIA and high school levels.
Widely respected for his expertise in defensive strategy, analytics, recruiting, and player development, he has helped build championship-caliber programs at every level throughout Southern California.
Most recently, Elmi was Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Vanguard University as well as the Data Analytics Specialist and Video Coordinator for the UC San Diego women's basketball program during their first Big West Championship run.
Prior to that he was an Assistant Coach at the University of La Verne, where he coordinated the Leopards' defense while directing analytics and scouting. He helped lead the Leopards to a conference championship and the winningest season in both school and conference history with a 24-3 record. Under his defensive leadership, the Leopards established school records in scoring defense (58.5 points allowed per game), conference defensive efficiency (.68 points per possession allowed), and fewest turnovers per game (14.4).
Elmi also served as an Assistant Coach at Cal Poly Pomona after four successful seasons as the Lead Assistant coach at Hope International University. While at Hope International, Elmi was both the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the Royals women's basketball program. He was instrumental in leading HIU to its best season in program history in 2021-22, compiling a 26-6 record and finishing the year ranked second nationally in scoring defense at just 52.3 points allowed per game while allowing only .63 points per possession.
Before entering the collegiate ranks, Elmi spent six seasons at Brea Olinda High School, where he compiled an impressive 123-29 overall record. During his tenure, the Ladycats captured a California state championship, finished as a state runner-up, won two regional championships, and advanced to one CIF Championship game.
Elmi is a 2004 graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and also holds a California teaching credential. Throughout his coaching career, he has earned a reputation as a tireless recruiter, innovative defensive tactician, and relationship-driven coach committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
