Tennessee State has hired former WNBA All-Star Candice Dupree as its new women’s basketball coach.
“Hiring Candice Dupree marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of excellence,” said Tennessee State Director of Athletics Mikki Allen in a statement. “Her legendary playing career and success as an NBA assistant coach in player development bring unmatched expertise to our women’s basketball program. We’re excited to welcome her championship mindset and global influence within the basketball community, setting the stage for unprecedented success here at Tennessee State University.”
After a stellar career at Temple University, playing for Dawn Staley, Dupree was drafted sixth overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2006 WNBA Draft. When she wrapped her 16-year WNBA career in 2021, Dupree was a WNBA champion in 2014 with the Phoenix Mercury. She is the third all-time leader in made field goals (2,842), fifth all-time in scoring (6,895), and seventh in total rebounds (3,149).
She then participated in the NBA’s Coaching Development Program and oversaw a group of prospects in the NBA Draft Combine. Her initial foray into coaching was as an assistant guest coach for the San Antonio Spurs Summer League team in 2022.
She was then hired by Gregg Popovich as a player development coach.
“I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead and coach the future of women’s basketball at Tennessee State University,” Dupree said. “I am eager to continue building our program in alignment with the incredible culture and values embodied within the Tiger family. It is an honor to be entrusted with upholding the tradition and legacy of TSU while embracing the evolving landscape of sports. Most importantly, I am committed to nurturing the holistic development of our student-athletes.”