Bio

Alicia Berber has devoted her career to Riverside City College, building a legacy of excellence as both a player and coach. Now entering her 25th season (2025-26) as head coach of the Tigers’ Women’s Basketball Program, she is the winningest coach in program history with 379 career victories.

Berber, formerly Alicia Rubio, first made her mark at RCC from 1994-96, excelling in both basketball and track and field. She concluded her basketball career with 1,280 points – a school record at the time – and was named Orange Empire Conference (OEC) MVP as a sophomore after leading the Tigers to the 3C2A State Championships. She became the first and only KODAK All-American in RCC history. In track and field, Berber also distinguished herself, holding the RCC women’s shot put record during her time as a student-athlete.

After graduating from RCC as the most highly recruited player in RCC athletic history, Berber moved on to compete at Division I Washington University in the Pac-10 Conference. She also had a tryout with the Los Angeles Sparks before settling into life as a coach and educator. Earning her bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Washington State University and, later, her Master’s degree in education from Cal State San Bernardino.

Following her academic and athletic career, she began coaching at Norte Vista High School, revitalizing a struggling program, guiding the team to the CIF Playoffs, and earning League Coach of the Year honors.

In 1999, Berber returned to her alma mater, taking on dual responsibilities as Head Women’s Track and Field coach and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach. In 2001, she was elevated to head coach of the RCC Women’s Basketball Program, a position she has held ever since.

Under her leadership, the Tigers have reached the 3C2A State Playoffs in 18 of the past 24 seasons, including six Sweet 16 appearances, a trip to the State Elite Eight in 2005, and a historic State Final Four appearance in 2006. Under Berber, the Tigers have earned a spot in the 3C2A SoCal Regional six times in the last decade. She has been named OEC Coach of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2012. As well as the 3CWBCA State Coach of the Year in 2006. Beyond postseason success and her record-setting wins, Berber consistently emphasizes the academic and personal development of her student-athletes.

In addition to her collegiate coaching success, Berber has been invited to coach in prestigious events at the national and professional level. She assisted in coaching the NCAA All-Star Game in 2024 and 2025, working alongside Naismith Hall of Fame Legends Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers Drysdale, and Cynthia Cooper. She also assisted in the WNBA All-Star Game in 2024, teaming up again with Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale to lead a squad that defeated the United States Olympic Women’s Basketball Team.

Berber remains the cornerstone of Riverside City College women’s basketball, inspiring generations of Tigers through her commitment to hard work, resilience, and excellence.

Career Achievements

• Winningest coach in RCC women’s basketball history: 379 career wins
• 18 3C2A State Playoff appearances in 24 seasons
• 6 Sweet 16 appearances
• 2005 State Elite Eight
• 2006 State Final Four
• Orange Empire Conference Coach of the Year: 2006 & 2012

Awards & Honors

• 3CWBCA State Coach of the Year, 2006
• RCC Athletics Hall of Fame, 2007
• California Community College Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, 2008
• League Coach of the Year, Norte Vista High School
• First and only KODAK All-American in RCC basketball history
• RCC Women’s Basketball career points record (1,280 at the time)
• RCC Women’s Shot Put Record Holder

Coaching Timeline

• 1998-Graduated from Washington State University, B.A. in Social Sciences
• 1998-1999: Norte Vista High School-Head Coach (CIF Playoffs)
• 1999-2001: RCC Head Women’s Track & Field Coach/Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
• 2001-Present: RCC Head Women’s Basketball Coach
• 2008-Earned Master’s degree in Education from Cal State San Bernardino