COLUMBUS - Columbus State University head women's basketball coach Matt Houser announced Abbey Goodsell as the assistant coach for the Lady Cougar basketball team on Tuesday.

Goodsell gains the promotion after spending two years as a graduate assistant coach for Houser.

"I'm extremely thrilled and honored to be alongside Coach Houser on this journey at this great institution," commented Goodsell.  I look forward to the noise we can make here at Columbus State in the Peach Belt Conference and at the national level. This is just the beginning."

A former professional player overseas, Goodsell helped Columbus State to a 19-9 record in her first full season during 2019-20. Goodsell and Houser produced two All-Peach Belt Conference performers that year before Chrisalyn Boston was voted to the all-conference team in 2020-21.  The Lady Cougars completed the COVID shortened season 3-5 before turning the page to the 2021-22 year.

"I have witnessed this young woman grow from the fifth grade into the competitor, winner, teacher, and player whose passion for the game has grown every year," added Houser. "I cannot explain how lucky I am to have such an accomplished player and now coach on my staff."

"Abbey is a wonderful woman, who the players love and respond to, teaching them excellence, not just on the court but off the court as well. Columbus State is in great hands with Abbey coaching the guards and taking up recruiting. I have no doubt about that."

A two-time All-PacWest player at NCAA Division II Azusa Pacific University, Goodsell was the floor general for one of the top programs in the nation. In her two seasons, she averaged 15.8 points and 4.8 assists per game while leading the Cougars to a 28-4 record over her senior season.

Goodsell was also a 3-point specialist shooting above 35 percent in her time at Azusa Pacific making 160 in 57 games. She ranked among the Division II leaders in 3-pointers made and assists in both seasons. By the end of her senior season, Goodsell was awarded 1st Team All PacWest Conference and All-West Region Team. 

Before Azusa Pacific, Goodsell played a season at Division I Sacramento State appearing in 24 games. She averaged 4.8 points per game while scoring a season-high 15 against Eastern Washington.