SMU names Adia Barnes its new women’s basketball coach after nine seasons at Arizona, where she led the team to the national championship game four years ago. The Mustangs are coming off a 10-20 record in their first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with a 2-16 record in league games.
Barnes replaces Toyelle Wilson, who had a 55-64 overall record in four seasons. Arizona under Barnes’ leadership was 169-114 and made four consecutive NCAA women’s tournaments from 2021 to 2024. The team lost to Stanford in the national title game in 2021.
A former WNBA player with 12 seasons of experience, including a championship win with Seattle in 2004, Barnes also served as an assistant coach at Washington. She expressed her enthusiasm for competing on the national stage and winning ACC championships, stating “I believe we can compete on the national stage and for ACC championships.” The university thanked Barnes for her nine years with the Wildcats, praising her “profound impact” on the program.
Source: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44549379/adia-barnes-leaves-alma-mater-arizona-smu-head-coaching-job