Makana Stone was named head women's basketball coach and athletic fundraising coordinator at Walla Walla University in 2025, bringing an impressive combination of playing experience, coaching success and player development expertise to Wolves Athletics.
Prior to joining WWU, Stone built her coaching résumé across the United States, England and Norway. Her coaching experience includes serving as head coach of the BUCS Division 3 women's basketball team in England, head coach of the U14 and U16 girls programs at Ammerud Basket in Norway, and coaching and training roles with Lommedalen Basket, Leicester Riders, Charnwood College, TABLA Basketball, Whitman College camps and the Boys & Girls Club. She also co-owned and operated E.T.M. Basketball Training from 2023-25.
A graduate of nearby Whitman College, Stone was a team captain from 2018-20 and helped lead the Blues to an NCAA Division III Elite Eight appearance in 2017 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2020. Her individual accolades included Northwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 2020, a season in which she averaged 15.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. She also earned three consecutive All-Northwest Conference First Team selections (2018-20), Northwest Conference All-Academic First Team recognition and a nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year in 2020. Stone also represented the United States on the USA DIII Women's Basketball Brazil Tour in 2018.
Following her collegiate career, Stone played professionally for the Leicester Riders in England before competing for Bærum Basket and Ammerud Basket in Norway. During the 2020-21 season, she earned WNBL Team of the Year honors while playing for the Loughborough Riders.
In her first season at Walla Walla University, Stone helped guide student-athletes to notable achievements, including Jaylo Bello's selection to the All-Cascade Conference team and recognition as a McDonald's Player of the Week.
Academically, Stone earned a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University in 2021 and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Whitman College in 2020. She is a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), holds a USA Basketball Gold License and has completed the NAIA Character-Driven Coaches Certification.
Favorite Bible Verse
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
