The Lackawanna College Athletics Department is pleased to announce that former assistant coach Darnell Ford has been hired as the next head coach for Lackawanna College women’s basketball, ahead of the 2025-2026 women’s basketball campaign.
“Coach Ford has shown a consistent ability to inspire, mentor, and develop young athletes,” said Erik Larson, Director of Athletics at Lackawanna College, “while also managing the operational side of basketball programs – from recruiting and fundraising to marketing and team-building.”
Ford’s experience includes running My Sky Elite since 2013, a youth basketball organization based in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he is the owner and coach. He coaches both boys and girls basketball and runs events, leagues, camps, clinics, and travel teams, while teaching fundamentals and leadership.
“I was shocked when I got the call,” says Ford about this opportunity at Lackawanna College, “but I knew it was a great opportunity and I’m certainly up for the challenge.”
Coach Ford has experience recently at Lackawanna College, serving as the lead assistant for the Lackawanna women’s basketball program during the 2022-2023 season. In addition to his time with My Sky Elite, he has also been working with Breakthrough Basketball, an online basketball coaching resource based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ford serves as the lead clinician.
Ford’s coaching experience in the area dates back to 2008, when he started as a girls basketball coach in the Crestwood School District in Mountain Top, PA. While there, he spent four years working with girls from grades 7-through-12. He also spent time as the assistant director and coach at Firm A.C. Basketball in Wilkes-Barre, overseeing operations, coaching teams ranging from elementary to high school, and helping coordinate and run events. He also fundraised, recruited players and coaches, identified and worked with sponsors, and marketed the club.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to coach many different players, which has helped me understand that every player is different and unique in their own way,” said Ford. “If they know you care for them off the court, they will do anything for you on the court.”
Originally from Lumberton, Mississippi, Ford has been in Northeast Pennsylvania for nearly two decades.
Ford joins the program at an important time in its history. Last week, Lackawanna College announced that it has received an invitation to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and compete as an NCAA Division II member. Lackawanna will pursue NCAA membership and that membership in the PSAC. Details are HERE.
Ford takes over a women’s basketball program that went 17-8 last season and finished third in Region XIX DII play. The Falcons fell in the semi-final round of the Region playoffs to Harcum College. Several key pieces will leave due to graduation, including two 600+ career-point scorers, but he sees the potential for the program to elevate itself.
“I see limitless potential,” says Ford, “I think the move to the PSAC has certainly elevated things, but the program has been strong the past few years, so I’m just looking to continue to build on that success.”
“Coach D is deeply committed to building a culture rooted in accountability, enthusiasm, and strong team values,” said Larson. “We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the positive impact he’ll make on our campus and in our athletic department.”
Ford has already hit the ground running, preparing for the coming 2025-2026 season.
“I began reaching out to players the moment I accepted the job,” says Ford.
“I’m beyond excited to get to work!”
https://lackawannafalcons.com/news/2025/7/7/wbb-ford-named-head-coach-for-womens-basketball.aspx
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