Furman University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Donnelly announced today that head women’s basketball coach Pierre Curtis has received a contract extension. Terms of the extension were not disclosed.
“Congratulations to Pierre Curtis on this well-deserved contract extension,” said Donnelly in making the announcement. “Pierre has done an outstanding job leading our women’s basketball program and establishing a strong foundation for continued success. The progress of the program over the past several seasons — from competitive growth and player development to the culture surrounding the team — reflects his leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence. Pierre is deeply invested in the success and experience of our student-athletes and represents Furman in a first-class manner. We are excited about the future of Furman women’s basketball and proud to continue supporting his leadership moving forward.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my journey at Furman and appreciative of the trust and support shown by Jason Donnelly, Erin Mayes, Nate Burton, and President Davis, said Curtis. “Furman is an incredible university with a passionate fan base. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach such amazing student-athletes and continue the legacy of Furman women’s basketball. We’re building something special, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Curtis, who recently completed his third season at the helm of the program, has compiled a 49-45 overall record in his young coaching tenure while directing the Paladins to notable improvement, including last year’s 18-13 campaign that featured a 9-5 Southern Conference regular season finish and SoCon Tournament semifinal round appearance for a second year straight year. Furman also produced the best SoCon road record (6-1) this past season, highlighted by triumphs over regular season co-champions East Tennessee State and Wofford and tournament champion Samford, for the most successful road league mark in program history (1984).
Furman’s success in 2025-26 was keyed by a pair of Curtis All-SoCon recruits — sophomore forward Clare Coyle and junior guard Alyssa Ervin — both of whom are set to return next year.
Curtis, an 11-year member of Furman’s women’s basketball program, served as an assistant coach over his first six years with the Paladins before being elevated to associate head coach in 2019. He is the eighth head coach in program history that spans 50 seasons. Furman has made five post-season tournament appearances during his tenure, including two trips to the WNIT, and also played in a pair of SoCon Tournament championship games.
A Chicago, Ill., native who spent many of his teenage years in Denver, Colo., he starred collegiately at James Madison, where he scored 1,237 points and completed his career as the Dukes’ all-time leader in starts, assists, and steals.
Holder of a bachelor’s degree in sports management from JMU, he has a daughter, Sydney.
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