George Washington University Athletics
Men's Basketball Adds Leftwich, Saulny as Graduate Assistants
8/12/2021 11:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Christian enhances staff ahead of 2021-22 season
WASHINGTON - GW men's basketball head coach Jamion Christian announced two additions to his staff on Thursday, welcoming Brandon Leftwich and Kris Saulny as graduate assistants.
"Being able to add two graduate assistants - especially those of the caliber of Brandon and Kris - speaks to the evolution of our program," Christian said. "It's been important to our program to add more staff, and this is a mark of the growth we've made over the last three years."
Leftwich is no stranger to the Buff & Blue after walking on to the program last year before earning a scholarship by year's end. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native appeared in nine games for GW last season in a reserve role and is currently pursuing a master's degree in sport management.
He originally completed a similar path at Mount St. Mary's under Christian, serving as a manager before walking onto the program and then earning a scholarship and playing in 30 games as a redshirt junior. As part of his graduate assistant duties, Leftwich will help assistant coach Eric Atkins with all aspects of the GW offense.
"Brandon is someone that's been with me for a long time," Christian said. "I've had a chance to watch him grow from a manager to walk-on to scholarship athlete twice. He's really passionate about building our team and program. He has outstanding loyalty to our vision of what we're trying to build. I'm excited to work with him."
Saulny, a D.C. native who attended St. John's College High School, returns to the District after serving as an assistant coach at Division III California Lutheran the last two years. There, he was involved in all facets of the program and was directly responsible for recruiting, game scouting, and game and practice preparation.
Saulny played collegiately at Widener University where he earned his degree in Business Administration Management and Marketing. In addition to aiding assistant coach Graham Bousley with all aspects of the GW defense, Saulny is pursuing a master's certificate in sport management.
"Kris comes to us from a basketball background and basketball family," Christian said. "His mother, (Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement) Helen Cannaday, is a fixture in our GW community. I couldn't imagine a better person who understands GW and D.C. basketball and will positively impact our players' lives."
"Being able to add two graduate assistants - especially those of the caliber of Brandon and Kris - speaks to the evolution of our program," Christian said. "It's been important to our program to add more staff, and this is a mark of the growth we've made over the last three years."
Leftwich is no stranger to the Buff & Blue after walking on to the program last year before earning a scholarship by year's end. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native appeared in nine games for GW last season in a reserve role and is currently pursuing a master's degree in sport management.
He originally completed a similar path at Mount St. Mary's under Christian, serving as a manager before walking onto the program and then earning a scholarship and playing in 30 games as a redshirt junior. As part of his graduate assistant duties, Leftwich will help assistant coach Eric Atkins with all aspects of the GW offense.
"Brandon is someone that's been with me for a long time," Christian said. "I've had a chance to watch him grow from a manager to walk-on to scholarship athlete twice. He's really passionate about building our team and program. He has outstanding loyalty to our vision of what we're trying to build. I'm excited to work with him."
Saulny, a D.C. native who attended St. John's College High School, returns to the District after serving as an assistant coach at Division III California Lutheran the last two years. There, he was involved in all facets of the program and was directly responsible for recruiting, game scouting, and game and practice preparation.
Saulny played collegiately at Widener University where he earned his degree in Business Administration Management and Marketing. In addition to aiding assistant coach Graham Bousley with all aspects of the GW defense, Saulny is pursuing a master's certificate in sport management.
"Kris comes to us from a basketball background and basketball family," Christian said. "His mother, (Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement) Helen Cannaday, is a fixture in our GW community. I couldn't imagine a better person who understands GW and D.C. basketball and will positively impact our players' lives."
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's BasketballGW Men's Basketball vs. Fordham (Post-Game Press Conference)
Saturday, January 31
GW MBB vs Richmond (Post-Game Press Conference)
Sunday, January 25
GW Men's Basketball vs. George Mason (Post-Game Press Conference)
Tuesday, January 20
GW Men's Basketball vs. Davidson (Post-Game Press Conference)
Thursday, January 15