Tennessee State University has named former All-American and 17-year collegiate coaching veteran Tywaune “Ty” Evans as its next Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Athletic Director Dr. Mikki Allen and TSU President Glenda Glover announced the hire at a virtual press conference Wednesday morning.
“Ty Evans will bring an abundance of energy, enthusiasm, and a winning mentality to the Tennessee State University women’s basketball program,” said AD Allen. “Coach Evans comes to us highly respected in the coaching field and has earned a national reputation for being a program builder, a phenomenal teacher of the game, an elite recruiter and an outstanding developer of talent. Throughout his career he has played a significant role in the holistic development of the student athletes he’s coached.”
“Words can’t possibly convey the level of happiness, excitement, and gratitude that I feel as a result of being named the next women’s Head Basketball Coach at Tennessee State University,” said Evans. “This moment is a culmination of many years of preparation, hard work, sacrifice, disappointment and prayer, and it’s a journey that I wouldn’t change. Thanks to Dr. Allen, President Glover, and the entire selection committee for entrusting me with this opportunity and to the entire “Big Blue” family, specifically my players, it’s time to … #PressPlay.”
President Glover said experience was a key factor in the selection of an individual that has paid his dues, ascending through the coaching ranks.
“The University was committed to hiring a seasoned veteran to provide the leadership needed to take our women’s basketball program to the next level, and he has earned the right to be a head coach,” said President Glover.
A proven winner as a coach and player, Evans is the 12th head coach in program history. He is a native of Beloit, Wis., and comes to TSU after seven seasons as an associate head coach and assistant coach at the University of Auburn under Terri Williams-Flournoy. This includes helping lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to his tenure at Auburn, Evans served two years at Georgetown under Williams-Flournoy before accepting a position at Alabama in 2007.
“Ty has always been one of the top up-and-coming associate head coaches in the business,” said Coach Williams-Flournoy. “I am extremely thrilled he has been given the opportunity to be a head coach. He has worked very hard for and with me the past 10 years. He will truly be missed. His passion for the game is overwhelming, which stands out in his work on the court! I wish Ty the best. Tennessee State got a good one.”
Evans began his collegiate coaching career at Saint Louis University where he served as an assistant coach during the 2001-02 season. After a season coaching professionally, he returned to SLU for two more seasons.
Evans spent the last decade making a name for himself in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In his first season with Auburn, he helped guide the Tigers to 19 wins, the most in four years, and an appearance in the Women’s NIT quarterfinals. Auburn set a school record with 402 steals during the 2012-13 season while forcing 701 turnovers, a mark that ranks second all-time on The Plains.
In his fourth season, Evans helped to advance the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009 and post a 20-13 overall record. Evans help lead Auburn to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and a 17-15 overall record in season five. Two seasons later, AU experienced their best season in 10 years, finishing 22-10 and earning their third trip to the NCAA tournament in four years.
At Alabama, Evans coached the post players and helped his players earn All-SEC honors in three of his five seasons. He was also instrumental in coaching the Crimson Tide to a WNIT Sweet 16 appearance in 2011, the team’s first post-season trip since 2002.
Also heavily involved in recruiting, Evans brought national attention to Alabama in 2010 and 2011 after securing top-20 recruiting classes both years. Prior to Alabama, Evans served two years at Georgetown under Williams-Flournoy. During those two seasons, he was instrumental in the recruiting and re-building efforts that would eventually turn Georgetown into a perennial NCAA Tournament team.
University of Georgia head women’s basketball coach Joni Taylor says Evans is a master of the game and brings a wealth of knowledge to the TSU program.
“I am so excited that Ty has been given the opportunity to lead his own program. The student-athletes at Tennessee State are getting someone who has mastered his craft and is an excellent coach, recruiter and motivator of young people. Ty’s passion for our game has been proven by his longevity in our profession and I am looking forward to watching his success as he puts his personal touch on the women’s basketball program at Tennessee State. He is truly deserving of this opportunity”.
Evans is a 1995 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he was an All-American and served as team co-captain for two years. He received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.
Photo Courtesy TSU Athletics
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