Alabama A&M University President Dr. Daniel K. Wims and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant introduced Dawn Thornton on Saturday as the fifth head women’s basketball coach since joining the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and joining NCAA Division I.

The announcement comes weeks after Director Bryant announced former head coach Margaret Richards stepped down to pursue other opportunities.
 
Thornton comes to Alabama A&M after spending the past five seasons as the head coach at SWAC institution Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Dawn Thornton to the Alabama A&M University family as our new head women’s basketball coach,” Bryant said.

“Coach Thornton’s remarkable record of success, both within the SWAC and against formidable out-of-conference opponents, speaks volumes about her prowess and strategic acumen in the realm of collegiate basketball. Her leadership qualities, combined with a deep understanding of the game, make her the ideal candidate to elevate our program. 
 
“We are eagerly anticipating the energy, expertise, and excellence she will bring to our team, and we are confident that under her guidance, A&M women’s basketball will achieve new heights of success. The future is bright for our program with Coach Thornton at the helm.”
 
Thornton, who has experience at the NCAA Division I and Division II level as a head women’s basketball coach, has compiled a 102-159 overall record in nine seasons at Prairie View A&M, Shorter, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In addition, she led the Golden Lions to a signature victory over Arkansas this past season, a first in program history.