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Wayne State University Athletics

Kayla Bridges Hiring Graphic

Women's Basketball Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Bridges Named Assistant Women's Basketball Coach At Wayne State

DETROIT -- Wayne State University women's basketball head coach Carrie Lohr has announced the addition of Kayla Bridges as a full-time assistant coach.

"The decision to have coach (Kayla) Bridges join the staff the second time around was an easy one," remarked Lohr.  "As both a former player of mine, and a former graduate assistant coach, Kayla brings multiple years of experience as a player and coach in women's basketball at the D1 and D2 levels, as well as head coaching experience at the high school level.  Her on-court presence both at practice and games will be a welcome addition to the staff, as she provides knowledge and experience.  I am very excited to have her join us again."

"I am incredibly honored and excited to return to Wayne State University as an assistant coach for the women's basketball program," stated Bridges.  "Wayne State played a significant role in my development both as a student-athlete and as a person, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to me.  I am eager to work alongside Coach Lohr and Coach (Andy) Ayrault while contributing to the continued success and tradition of excellence within this program.  Go Warriors!"

Bridges joins the WSU women's basketball coaching staff as a full-time assistant coach after spending the 2025-26 academic year as an assistant women's basketball coach and director of basketball operations at Detroit Mercy.

She had previously served as a volunteer assistant coach at WSU in November of 2023, before transitioning into a graduate assistant coach role in January of 2024. 

In her first season (2023-24) on coach Carrie Lohr's coaching staff, WSU compiled a 16-12 mark, had 10 GLIAC All-Academic honorees, and the squad was recognized by the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) and given "Special Mention" for posting a team GPA of at least 3.0.  In addition, Shea Tripp was a First Team All-GLIAC selection, while Gabi Lutchka was voted to the All-GLIAC Second Team.

The following year (2024-25), the Warriors went 20-12 overall and had a 13-7 GLIAC record.  Wayne State advanced to the semifinals of NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament after a 77-57 victory over No.17 Lewis.

After graduating from WSU in 2015, Bridges worked as a rehab specialist.  She had been a Medical Case Manager for Henry Ford Hospital since 2017.  Bridges earned a master's degree in Public Health from WSU in December of 2018. 

She spent five years (2015-2019) as the varsity assistant coach at Plymouth High School, before embarking on a four-year (2020-24) career as the head coach at Canton High School.  In her final season at Canton, she led CHS to a 21-6 record.  Bridges also spent four years (2020-2023) as an AAU head coach for 1Nation/Michigan Anarchy was a coach for the U17 Michigan Crossover.

The Warrior women's basketball program has compiled a 44-20 record over the last two years and advanced to the NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals both seasons.  This past February, WSU knocked off No. 1 ranked Grand Valley State for its only loss in the last 50 games.
 
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Players Mentioned

Shea Tripp

#23 Shea Tripp

F
5' 10"
Senior
Gabi Lutchka

#15 Gabi Lutchka

F
5' 11"
Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

Shea Tripp

#23 Shea Tripp

5' 10"
Senior
F
Gabi Lutchka

#15 Gabi Lutchka

5' 11"
Graduate Student
F