Dawn Thornton has resigned as the head coach of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball team after a tenure that lifted the program to unprecedented success, including a first-time appearance in the 2023 SWAC championship game.
Thornton, who accumulated a 54-89 record over five seasons, will now lead Alabama A&M’s women’s basketball team, also part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Her new role was confirmed during a presentation at Alabama A&M on Saturday, where she expressed enthusiasm about her future with the Aggies.
Under Thornton’s leadership, the Lady Lions achieved a record-setting season with 17 wins and 16 losses, advancing to the SWAC Tournament semifinals and securing notable victories against SMU and Arkansas. The team also finished with an 11-7 conference record this past season.
“Her contributions over the course of five seasons have had a significant impact on our campus and the community,” said Chris Robinson, Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics at UAPB. Robinson praised Thornton for her dedication and expressed optimism about the program’s future. “The future of the UAPB women’s basketball program is bright,” Robinson said, “and we are confident that our next head coach will continue to elevate the program to new heights,” Robinson said.
Assistant coach Nicole Mealing has been appointed as interim head coach while the university conducts a national search for Thornton’s successor. Thornton leaves a legacy of success at UAPB, including guiding five players to All-SWAC Conference honors, including Zaay Green and Khadijah Brown, named Newcomers of the Year in their respective first seasons. Green also broke the single-season scoring record, while Maya Peat set a new mark for career rebounds. Thornton’s tenure at UAPB was notable for achieving key milestones and garnering community support, setting the stage for future success in collegiate women’s basketball.