Adia Barnes Named Head Coach of SMU Women’s Basketball

Adia Barnes has been appointed as the new head coach of the SMU women's basketball team, effective from April 6, 2025. The 48-year-old coach joins SMU with an impressive resume from her time at the University of Arizona, where she led the team to four consecutive postseason appearances and five straight 20-win seasons, including a narrow loss in the 2021 NCAA Championship game against Stanford. Her career coaching record stands at 169-114, a reflection of her extensive experience, which also includes serving as an assistant at Washington and coaching at her alma mater starting in 2016.

At SMU, Barnes takes over from Toyelle Wilson, whose four-season tenure concluded with a 55-64 record (including a challenging 10-20 overall and 2-16 in ACC play last season). Barnes expressed strong enthusiasm for the new role, underscoring her confidence in the university’s commitment to competing both nationally and within the ACC. Contract details have not been disclosed at this time.