The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Tierra Terry as the 12th head women’s basketball coach in school history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Tierra Terry back home to Winston-Salem State University,” said Etienne Thomas, Director of Athletics. “As a proud WSSU alumna and a proven leader in collegiate women’s basketball, Coach Terry brings a deep understanding of our tradition, a passion for developing student-athletes, and a winning mindset. Her return marks a powerful new chapter for our women’s basketball program, and we are excited for the future under her leadership.”
“First I would like to say thank you God. Next, I would like to say thank you to AD Thomas, Chancellor Brown, the committees, and my family for believing in me, said head coach Tierra Terry. “Coming back to WSSU is a full circle moment. It is a surreal feeling to say that you were a member of the women’s basketball team, an assistant women’s basketball coach, and now will be returning as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the institution that you graduated from. I have so much RAM pride and I am ecstatic about returning to Ole State U! I am excited to rejoin my RAMILY and lead this team to greatness.”
Terry was a four-year member of the Winston-Salem State women’s basketball team and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, while earning a minor in sociology in 2008.
Terry comes to Winston-Salem State after spending five seasons with Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) member Virginia Union where they went 60-51 during her tenure. The Lady Panthers finished this last season 21-9 and saw Maia Charles be named the CIAA Rookie of the Year . During her time there she coached two All-CIAA Frontcourt athletes, four Preseason All-CIAA, two All-Rookie, one Rookie of the Year, one HBCU All Star MVP, class valedictorian and salutatorian and was selected to the inaugural BCIC Tournament. They also finished second in the Northern Division, ranked second in offense in the CIAA and third in defense, third in blocked shots, second in assists/game and second in team field goal percentage. They were 14th in the nation in 3-point scoring defense, 29th in steals/game, 20th in forced turnovers.
Prior to Virginia Union, Terry spent three seasons as an assistant coach at The College of William and Mary. The 2019-20 season for the Tribe was one for the history books posting the school record with 21 wins: 12 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), 11 wins on the road, and ranking its highest seed in the CAA Tournament (third). Prior to William & Mary, Terry was a recruiting coordinator at Western Carolina. She began her coaching career at her alma mater, Winston-Salem State University.
She went on to earn her master’s in psychology with a specialization in counseling from the University of West Florida in 2011. She is a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Incorporated, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Terry is very active in the community, including volunteering with Upward Basketball, the YMCA, Latin Flavor Ent, Boys and Girls Club, Women’s Basketball Mentor Program, Joy Prom, and the Annual Cullowhee Valley Festival in North Carolina.
Tagged with: CIAA D2
