Trelanne Powell has accepted the position as the newest head coach of the New Orleans Privateers women’s basketball team and was formally introduced at a press conference on Tuesday morning.
She becomes the sixth head coach in program history.
Powell guided the Tuskegee Golden Tigers to a 96-32 record in her five seasons at the helm. Her final season resulted in a 26-4 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Powell’s squad went undefeated (20-0) in the SIAC and won the postseason championship.
In the most recently completed season, Tuskegee had the conference’s Player of the Year (Ashiala Jackson), Defensive Player of the Year (JuToreyia Willis) and the Coach of the Year (Powell).
“Coach Powell rose to the top of our list because she is an amazing coach and an even better person”, said Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, Tim Duncan. “She has had tremendous success at every stop in her career and has done it by using her impressive coaching acumen and the authentic relationships she has with her student-athletes and coaching staff. With her background of working in mental health, I think she is perfectly positioned to be successful in this modern era of women’s basketball.”
“Finally, I’d like to thank Kim Gallow, Associate Athletic Director for Operations and Capital Projects/Senior Woman Administrator and Renaissance Search & Consulting’s Herb Courtney and Adam Gordon for their tremendous help. The value and professionalism they added to this process was immeasurable.”
Last season, the Golden Tigers ranked in the top ten in the NCAA Division II ranks in offensive rebounds per game (fifth), steals per game (fourth), turnover margin (sixth) and scoring margin (ninth). Tuskegee outscored their opponents by an average of 16.6 points per game.
“This is an incredibly amazing opportunity,” said Powell. “Any time you are chosen to lead young people in any arena is a testament to something you’ve accomplished. I can’t wait to get to work and start this new chapter. I’m so grateful to be the next head women’s basketball coach at New Orleans.”
Powell guided Tuskegee to 20 or more wins three times. The Golden Tigers also went 22-5 in 2021-22. They also defeated Division I foe, Alabama State in an exhibition game before the season began.
“After an extensive search, we’re excited to welcome Coach Powell to the Privateer Family,” said Kim Gallow, Associate A.D. for Operations and Capital Projects. “She brings great knowledge of the game as well as skills that will elevate our program while providing a world-class experience for our women athletes. The team, our department, our university, and the city has gained a great asset.”
Prior to her time in Tuskegee, Powell was an assistant at Mercer. In her three seasons, the Bears went to two WNIT tournaments and earned an NCAA Tournament berth in 2018 after winning the Southern Conference regular season and tournament title. During Powell’s tenure, the Bears were first in the league in steals and fewest points allowed in two seasons. In that three-year stretch, Mercer won 79 games.
Last season was Powell’s second Coach of the Year honor. She also won the award at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in 2014. Powell also had a stint at Francis Marion.
Powell played at Hiawasee Community College from 2000-02 and finished her collegiate career at Columbus State, playing there from 2002-04.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH POWELL
DENISHA DAVIDSON- HEAD COACH, ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
“Coach Powell is not only a phenomenal coach on the court but she embodies what a leader and role model is for young women. Her love, knowledge and passion for the game shows through her players and those around her. She encourages and will get the very best out of each one of her student-athletes. She knows what it takes and will continue to work hard and elevate a program to higher levels and standards. Coach Powell will do amazing things at UNO!”
REGINALD RUFFIN- ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, TUSKEGEE
“I would like to thank Coach Powell for her commitment, dedication and service to Tuskegee University but more importantly her love for the student-athletes and her staff. Coach Powell has been a great transformational leader and builder of young women. She represented this institution with culture, class and civility. Coach Powell has kept the motto for our student athletes which is We Educate, We Dominate and We Graduate. As Director of Athletics at Tuskegee, it will be a hard task replacing such a wonderful coach and an even better person. Her smile and passion for students has always been her strength. We are so grateful for her service to the student-athletes, this university and community. Thank you, Coach Powell for your help in making Tuskegee University Women’s Basketball the best D2 basketball program in the nation.”
JERI PORTER- HEAD COACH, FRANCIS MARION
“Trelanne is a young coach on the rise. She is a student of the game who has proven to be a winner at every level. Most importantly she will win off the court as a mentor and role model to all of the young women who are fortunate to play under her leadership! Congratulations to UNO on a home run hire.”
BART WALKER- HEAD COACH, NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE JC
“Trelanne was my first ever signee and is as focused today as she was back then. She is a relentless competitor, great communicator and a star on the rise. I am proud of her on and off the court!”
JASON BURTON- HEAD COACH, NORTH TEXAS
“Trelanne is a star in this profession. She built Tuskegee into a D2power in that league. She knows how to recruit and she knows how to win. New Orleans got a great one.”
