SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Head coach Lynne-Ann Kokoski announced the addition of Deshon Gaither as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

"We're thrilled to welcome Deshon back to Bryant. With 30 years of coaching experience, he brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and an exceptional ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships with his players", said coach Kokoski... "I tried to bring Deshon onto our staff before, so I'm especially excited that the timing was finally right. His passion for Bryant, his commitment to developing young people, and his alignment with our program's values make him the perfect addition to our women's basketball program". 

Gaither returns to Smithfield after previously being an assistant for the men's basketball team from 2005-2008. In his three years at Bryant, Gaither helped coach the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division II Tournament each year and assisted with the transition to Division I.  

Gaither comes from Earlham College, where he was an assistant coach for the 2022-23 season. Prior to that, Gaither was the head coach at Thomas College (Division III) for two seasons, having previously been an assistant coach with the Terriers. He was also an assistant at the University of Maine and spent three years as a head coach at Lee Academy, where he compiled a 52-17 record as a coach and placed 20 players at colleges across the country.