Joe Teramoto enters the 2026–27 season as Associate Head Coach, marking his 21st season on the UC Davis staff and his 24th year coaching Division I women’s basketball. Serving as the program’s defensive coordinator and lead developer of post players, Teramoto has played a central role in building UC Davis into one of the most consistent winning programs on the west coast.
During his tenure, the Aggies have become a regular presence in the postseason, earning three NCAA Tournament appearances (2011, 2019, 2021) and six WNIT berths (2008, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2026). These post season appearances are highlighted by the 2021 team who secured a number 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament which was the highest in program history. In addition, the 2018 squad set a school record with 28 wins and advanced to the WNIT Elite Eight, following a WNIT Sweet 16 run in 2017. UC Davis has recorded more than 360 wins during Teramoto’s time on staff, including eight 20-win seasons, 12 wins over Power 4/5 teams, and a road victory vs #18th ranked Oregon.
Conference success has been equally impressive during Teramoto’s time in Davis. The Aggies have captured six Big West regular-season titles and three conference tournament championships, highlighted by five consecutive regular-season crowns from 2016–21. During that stretch, UC Davis posted a dominant 64–10 record in conference play.
Teramoto has also overseen the development of some of the top post players in program history:
- Morgan Bertsch - Four-time All-Big West selection (three First Team), 2019 Big West Player of the Year, WNBA Draft pick, UC Davis all-time leading scorer (2,422 points), extensive professional career in the WNBA and overseas.
- Paige Mintun - Three-time All-Big West First Team selection, led the team in scoring in each of her final three seasons, 2011 Big West Tournament MVP, led team to first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, professional player in Germany
- Alyson Doherty - Big West All-Freshman Team selection, three-time All-Big West honoree, ranks among the top 10 scorers in program history, professional player in Germany
- Sage Stobbart - 2021 Big West Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 All-Big West Defensive Team selection, 2021 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year watch list, First Team All-Big West (2021)
- Megan Norris - 2023 Big West Freshman of the Year, two-time All-Big West selection (2025, 2026), first Division I-era player at UC Davis to reach 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, Big West single-game rebounding record holder (29), program all-time leading rebounder (1,079), professional player in Germany
Defensively, Teramoto’s teams have earned a national reputation for discipline and consistency. UC Davis has ranked among the nation’s best in field-goal percentage defense multiple times, including finishes of 2nd nationally in 2025, 3rd in 2021, and 5th in 2019. The Aggies have also consistently led the Big West in both field-goal and three-point percentage defense, with top-three national rankings in both categories in 2025. That sustained success across changing rosters reflects a system built on effort, communication, and collective accountability.
Off the court, Teramoto brings a strong academic background, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Biotechnology from Cal Poly in 2002, followed by a master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2007. A native of Concord, California, he works alongside his wife, head coach Jennifer Gross, in fostering a program culture centered on competitive excellence, academic achievement, and most importantly, a meaningful student-athlete experience. Teramoto and Gross reside in Davis with their son, Josh, and daughter, Amelia.
