Omaha, Neb. -- Former Bluejay player and assistant coach Chevelle Saunsoci (Herring) is returning to the Creighton women's basketball bench, reprising her role as an assistant coach.

"Creighton was a very difficult place for me to leave in the first place so it feels surreal being back," said Saunsoci. "I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity, I'm so excited to be back on the sidelines!"

As a player from 2005-10, she closed her career with 1,098 points and 254 assists, helping the Bluejays reach the postseason three times. Saunsoci served as an assistant coach for the Bluejays for seven seasons (2013-14 to 2019-20), guiding Creighton to the NCAA Tournament in 2013, 2017 and 2018 as well as a share of the BIG EAST regular season title in 2016-17.

Saunsoci spent the last two seasons in the Omaha area, starting her own business to open doors to college for underserved youth. 

"Chevy does such a great job of helping young women grow, both on and off the court," said Creighton head women's basketball coach Jim Flanery. "Chevy understands how we have success at Creighton, she brings an enthusiasm for the everyday that will push our players and staff to be at our best."

One of the many highlights of Saunsoci's first tenure as a Bluejay assistant coach was her work with Jaylyn Agnew. The duo developed a bond during Agnew's redshirt season, that still exists. Agnew grew to earn the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year honor in 2017, an All-BIG EAST Tournament Team selection in 2019, the BIG EAST Player of the Year in 2020 and went on to become Creighton's first player drafted in the WNBA.

"Chevy loves basketball and she loves Creighton," added Flanery. "She will really help us continue to grow interest in our program within the community."

Saunsoci replaces Linda Sayavongchanh who accepted a position at Indiana University earlier this summer.