Adia Barnes Named New Head Coach Of SMU Women's Basketball

Adia Barnes has officially been named the new head coach of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) women’s basketball team, marking a significant transition for both the coach and the program. This announcement was made on April 5, 2025, following Barnes’ impressive nine-season tenure at the University of Arizona, where she transformed the Wildcats into a national powerhouse.

During her time at Arizona, Barnes led the team to a remarkable record of 169 wins and 114 losses, which included four consecutive appearances in the NCAA women’s tournaments from 2021 to 2024. The pinnacle of her tenure came in 2021 when she guided the Wildcats to the NCAA Championship Game, narrowly falling to Stanford by a single point, 54-53. This achievement not only highlighted her coaching prowess but also solidified her reputation as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball.

In her new role at SMU, Barnes takes over a program that struggled last season, finishing with a 10-20 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and only two wins in conference play. Her hiring comes shortly after the university parted ways with Toyelle Wilson, who held a 55-64 record over four seasons. The Mustangs have not made an NCAA Tournament appearance in 17 years, and Barnes is determined to change that narrative.

“I’m truly excited for the opportunity to be the next head coach at SMU,” Barnes stated in her welcoming remarks. “Having seen the commitment and alignment on the Hilltop, I believe we can compete on the national stage and for ACC championships.” This statement reflects her confidence in the program and her vision for its future.

SMU Director of Athletics Damon Evans expressed enthusiasm about Barnes’ appointment, stating, “We are happy to welcome Adia to the Mustang family. She has had great success at Arizona, leading her teams to post-season appearances and 20-win seasons while her teams also set records in the classroom.” Evans emphasized Barnes’ ability to build programs and her strong recruiting skills, which will be essential for revitalizing SMU women’s basketball.

Prior to her successful stint at Arizona, Barnes served as an assistant coach at the University of Washington, where she coached Kelsey Plum, the school’s first WBCA All-American. Barnes’ own playing career is equally impressive; she was a three-time all-conference selection and graduated from Arizona in 1998. Her scoring prowess is evident as she ranks ninth on the Pac-12’s all-time scoring list with 2,237 career points.

In addition to her collegiate achievements, Barnes enjoyed a successful 12-year professional playing career in the WNBA, which included stints with the Seattle Storm, Cleveland, Minnesota, and Sacramento. She won a WNBA Championship with the Storm in 2004 and was later named to the Storm’s All-Decade Team. Barnes has also played overseas in various countries, including Ukraine, Israel, Turkey, Russia, and Italy.

Beyond her coaching and playing accolades, Barnes is deeply committed to community service. She founded the Adia Barnes Foundation, which focuses on mentoring underserved youth and conducting charitable events such as school supply drives. Her dedication to community engagement complements her professional achievements, making her a well-rounded candidate for the head coaching position at SMU.

As Barnes embarks on this new chapter, she brings with her not only a wealth of experience but also a strong family support system. She is married to Salvo Coppa, an accomplished basketball coach, and they have two children, Matteo and Capri. The family is excited about their move to Dallas and the new opportunities that await them.

With Barnes at the helm, SMU women’s basketball is poised for a fresh start. The combination of her coaching experience, proven track record, and commitment to building a successful program gives fans hope for a brighter future. The Mustangs will be looking to make significant strides in the ACC, and with Barnes’ leadership, they aim to end their long NCAA Tournament drought.

As the Mustangs prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Barnes as she implements her vision for the program. The excitement surrounding her hiring is palpable, and the SMU community is eager to see how she will transform the team into a competitive force in women’s basketball.

In conclusion, Adia Barnes’ arrival at SMU marks a new era for the Mustangs, one filled with potential and promise. Her extensive background in coaching and her successful playing career provide a solid foundation for what could be a remarkable journey ahead for SMU women’s basketball.