Tanya Ray begins her ninth season as an assistant at Arkansas State University, having played a key role in the success of the Red Wolves program over that time. In her eight seasons at ASU, Ray has helped guide the Red Wolves to 137 victories, an average of over 17 wins per year. The Red Wolves have posted three 20-victory seasons during Ray's time with the program and in 2003-04 the Red Wolves captured their first-ever Sun Belt Conference title, winning the East Division Championship. In 2004-05, the Red Wolves advanced to the quarterfinals of the WNIT, and in 2006-07, made their third postseason appearance in four years, advancing to the second round of the WNIT before falling on the road to eventual runner-up Wisconsin.
Ray, a native of Brenham, Texas, serves as the Red Wolves' recruiting coordinator in which she organizes all aspects of the recruiting process.
Ray is also in charge of the Red Wolves' scheduling each season and is in charge of team conditioning. She serves as the women's basketball liason for Student Services and assists with scouting ASU's opponents. Ray also works with the Red Wolves post players and helps to oversee the team defense.
Ray came to ASU after serving two years as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State University. While at OSU, she helped to develop posts players and assisted with on-the-court coaching. Her responsibilities included helping with recruiting, team travel and coordination of video exchange. Ray also oversaw the team managers and was the liaison to academic services. She helped the Cowgirls to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the Women's National Invitation Tournament in the 2000-01- season.
Before OSU, Ray spent a season as an assistant coach at Blinn College in Texas and helped the Lady Buccaneers to a 23-8 record. The team advanced to the Regional Final where it lost to the eventual national champion, Tyler Junior College.
Under her tutelage, Ray helped coach two student-athletes to All-America seasons as both were named to the Junior College All-America Team. While at Blinn, Ray was in charge of on-the-court coaching and development of guards along with assisting in recruiting and team travel.
Ray was a standout player at Texas-San Antonio, South Plains College and St. Mary's-San Antonio. She received her bachelor's degree in exercise-sport-science from St. Mary's in 1999.
