Coming off one the best seasons in the history of the women’s program, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball head coach Dawn Thornton received a three-year contract extension, as announced by Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Robinson announced on Monday.
“Coach Dawn and her staff’s commitment to UAPB and women’s basketball exemplifies hard work, determination, and dedication to excellence and sets the standard for what college sports should be regarding academics, character, and performance,” Robinson said. “Coach Thornton has achieved unprecedented success that has helped transform our women’s basketball program and enriched numerous lives through her impactful leadership. I join our fans in excitement as we look forward to the future success of UAPB women’s basketball. We are excited that Dawn and her family remain part of our Golden Lions family.”
The 2022-23 women’s basketball season was a series of historical accomplishments for Thornton and the Golden Lions. The Golden Lions advanced to the conference finals for the first time in the program’s history. UAPB also finished the season landing in the top three in seven statistical categories.
Junior Coriah Beck was named to the SWAC All-Tournament team in 2022-23, and in 2021-22, returning starter Zaay Green was named SWAC First-Team and Newcomer of the Year.
UAPB will kick off the 2023-24 season by returning 12 players from the 2022-23 team, including Green, who sat out all last season but also picked up some key newcomers to add to the roster.
