HBCU Legends

Dawn Thornton Introduced As Alabama A&M Bulldogs Head Women's Basketball Coach

Thornton leaves UAPB to join the AAMU Bulldogs replacing former head coach Margaret Richards.

Kyle T. Mosley

Dawn Thornton
Dawn Thornton / Mo Carter

Alabama A&M Bulldogs athletic director Paul A. Bryant held a press conference inside the AAMU event center to introduce Dawn Thornton as the Bulldogs' next women's basketball coach. Thornton resigned from Arkansas-Pine Bluff this past week to replace former head basketball coach Margaret Richards, who resigned in March to pursue other opportunities. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Dawn Thornton to the Alabama A&M University family as our new head women's basketball coach," Bryant said at the press conference. "Coach Thornton's remarkable record of success, both within the SWAC and against formidable out-of-conference opponents, speaks volumes about her prowess and strategic acumen in the realm of collegiate basketball. Her leadership qualities, combined with a deep understanding of the game, make her the ideal candidate to elevate our program."

Dawn Thornton
Dawn Thornton / Mo Carter

Thornton led the Golden Lions over the previous five seasons, taking her team to the SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game in 2023. Also, she guided them to non-conference victories over SMU and Arkansas. Several of her players earned SWAC Conference honors, set school records, and received national recognition.

"I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Daniel K. Wims, AD Dr. Paul Bryant, and the entire search committee for their faith in me to lead this women's basketball program," Thornton said. "My family and I cannot wait to embrace new opportunities in engaging the Normal community. Alabama A&M is a national household brand that rings bells everywhere we go. It is my goal to continue to build off the success that this program has already achieved. 

She has a 102-159 record as a head coach from stints at Prairie View A&M, Shorter College, and UAPB.

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Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: