Southwestern Michigan College hires new women’s basketball team head coach

Ariana Dampier has been named as Southwestern Michigan College’s new women’s basketball team head coach.

Southwestern Michigan College recently announced a new member of its athletic department, the women’s basketball team head coach, Ariana Dampier.

Prior to becoming Southwestern’s new full time head coach, Dampier earned her associate degree in psychology from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois, in 2017. She then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Governors State University in University Park in 2020. 

It was then that Dampier began coaching women’s basketball as an assistant at Morton College. The nationally ranked team went on, under Dampier’s assistance, to win the Region IV championship. The team also went on to make the program’s first NJCAA National Tournament appearance.

After that successful season, Dampier went on to take control of the Prairie State Pioneers in 2021, rebuilding the struggling team over the course of two years.

Over the past two seasons, Dampier has worked at Governors State as the assistant varsity coach, and head coach of the junior varsity team. During the 2024-25 season, the Jaguars won the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and reached the Elite Eight of the NAIA Tournament for the first time ever.

Southwestern Michigan College Athletic Director Rodell Davis Sr. was quoted in an article posted on the school’s website about the arrival of Ariana Dampier, saying, “I am excited to welcome Coach Dampier as our next Women’s Basketball Head Coach. From our very first conversation, her basketball knowledge and vision for the program were immediately clear. What impressed me most is her holistic approach — she’s committed not only to developing strong athletes and building a winning culture but also to being a mentor who genuinely cares about our players’ well-being. Coach Dampier understands the importance of mental health and is passionate about supporting our student-athletes both on and off the court. I look forward to the future of our program under her leadership.”

Dampier also weighed in on her new position, saying, “I’m truly thankful for this opportunity to lead the Roadrunners as Head Coach at Southwestern Michigan College. I’m committed to building a culture of excellence, growth and relentless effort — on and off the court. The goal isn’t just to win games, but to shape young women and help them rise in every aspect of life. I’m excited to build something special with the support of this amazing community behind us. Can’t wait to get to work!”

Dampier was preceded in her position as the Roadrunners Coach by Jay Jenkins, who left the position in June after two seasons to take on other coaching opportunities at the university level.

More information about Southwestern Michigan College can be found on the school’s website.

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