Briar Cliff University Women's Basketball

Connor Sonius is in his first season as head coach of the women's basketball team at Briar Cliff. Sonius was promoted to head coach after serving as an assistant coach at Briar Cliff from the fall of 2022 through the spring of 2025. During his time on staff, the Chargers advanced to the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four, and captured the 2023 GPAC Tournament Championship. Prior to Briar Cliff, Sonius served as a men’s basketball graduate assistant at Grand View University, where the program qualified for the 2022 NAIA National Tournament. As a student-athlete, Sonius began his collegiate playing career at Buena Vista University before transferring to Grand View University, where he completed his final two seasons of eligibility. Sonius earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Grand View University in 2020 and a master’s degree in sport management in 2022.

Madison Mahr was named Head Coach for Competitive Dance and Competitive Cheer on October of 2024. Mahr has been a part of the Sioux City West High dance program since 2020. She recently was named Head Coach of the West High Dance program. Mahr is also an instructor at 5678! Dance Studio in South Dakota. Mahr danced competitively at Morningside University. She served as team captain and guided the Mustangs to a NAIA National Championship in 2022. Mahr earned her coaching certificate from Western Iowa Tech Community College, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Morningside.

Grant Hopkins was named Assistant Coach in May of 2025. Hopkins recently served as an assistant coach at State Fair Community College in Sedallia, Missouri the last two seasons. The Roadrunners compiled a 49-15 record during his tenure and this past winter made an appearance at the NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Championship.   Hopkins also served as an assistant coach for Grand View University for two seasons and helped guide the Vikings to back-to-back appearances at the NAIA National Tournament. Hopkins also served as a graduate assistant for Drury University for the 2019-2020 season and helped guide the program to a 32-0 season.   Hopkins earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Drury University. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Northwest Missouri State University.  

Samantha Scott joined the Briar Cliff women’s basketball staff as a graduate assistant in the fall of 2025. She currently serves as the head JV coach and assistant coach for the varsity program. She was also selected for the 2025 WBCA “So You Want To Be A Coach” program. Scott brings collegiate playing experience to the Chargers, having competed at Central College from 2022–2025 and at Colorado Mesa University from 2021–2022. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education (K–12) from Central College and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in sports management at Briar Cliff University.