Staff Directory
Sakai Beard
- Title:
- Graduate Assistant
Sakai Beard enters his first season as a Graduate Assistant with the UC Riverside men's basketball program after serving as the Highlanders' Head Student Manager during the 2025-26 season. Returning to Coach Gus Argenal's staff, Beard brings valuable experience and familiarity with the program after playing an integral role in its daily operations during his first year with the Highlanders.
As Head Student Manager, Beard assisted with all facets of the program, including practice preparation, player workouts, game-day operations, team travel, equipment management, scouting organization, and the coordination of the student manager staff. Working closely alongside the coaching staff, he helped ensure the program operated efficiently while supporting player development and the day-to-day needs of the team throughout the season.
In his role as Graduate Assistant, Beard continues to support the Highlanders' basketball operations through scouting preparation, recruiting operations, practice organization, player development, and the overall day-to-day functions of the program.
A Riverside native, Beard earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of California, Riverside and is currently pursuing a master's degree. Prior to joining the Highlanders, he was a collegiate football student-athlete at Pacific University, where he also served as a recruiting host, developing leadership, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and passion for collegiate athletics, Beard is committed to helping UC Riverside continue to build a championship-caliber program while further developing his career in basketball operations, recruiting, and player personnel.
As Head Student Manager, Beard assisted with all facets of the program, including practice preparation, player workouts, game-day operations, team travel, equipment management, scouting organization, and the coordination of the student manager staff. Working closely alongside the coaching staff, he helped ensure the program operated efficiently while supporting player development and the day-to-day needs of the team throughout the season.
In his role as Graduate Assistant, Beard continues to support the Highlanders' basketball operations through scouting preparation, recruiting operations, practice organization, player development, and the overall day-to-day functions of the program.
A Riverside native, Beard earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of California, Riverside and is currently pursuing a master's degree. Prior to joining the Highlanders, he was a collegiate football student-athlete at Pacific University, where he also served as a recruiting host, developing leadership, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and passion for collegiate athletics, Beard is committed to helping UC Riverside continue to build a championship-caliber program while further developing his career in basketball operations, recruiting, and player personnel.
Thursday, May 21
Monday, May 04
Friday, May 01
Tuesday, March 24
