The Hampton University women’s basketball team launches a new era by hiring Hampton native and University of Florida associate head coach Tamisha Augustin as the next head coach of the Lady Pirates. Her appointment heralds a momentous occasion for the university and the local community. With a rich background in basketball, coaching, and player development, she brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent on and off the court.
Augustin, the 10th head women’s basketball coach in Hampton history, brings a distinguished resume to the position. Augustin’s basketball journey began at Bethel High School. She then excelled at Alabama A&M, where she was a two-time All-SWAC performer and served as a four-year team captain. After her playing days, she ventured into coaching, accumulating experience at various levels of basketball.
Augustin’s coaching career spans nearly two decades and includes roles at multiple universities and the NBA G League. She has served as an assistant coach and a recruiting coordinator at prestigious programs such as Arizona, Mississippi State, Florida, Minnesota, and Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.
“Throughout her career, Tamisha has earned the reputation as an innovative teacher of the game, an exceptional recruiter and evaluator of basketball talent, as well as being extraordinary in player development,” Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. said. “She has an excellent coaching pedigree and has been ultra-successful everywhere she’s been. She brings a passion for the game and, as a former player herself, understands what it takes for our student-athletes to be successful on the court and in life. I couldn’t be more excited for our young ladies to have the opportunity to develop under her leadership.”
Augustin returns to her hometown after working under Coach Kelly Finley at Florida. In her first season as an assistant coach with the Gators, Florida advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals in 2023. In 2024, she was promoted to associate head coach and helped lead the Gators to the SEC Championship quarterfinals with wins over Missouri and Vanderbilt before losing to Mississippi. The team earned an invitation to the WBIT, falling to St. John’s.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tamisha Augustin back to Hampton, Va., and Hampton University as our new head women’s basketball coach. Tamisha’s exceptional coaching pedigree, combined with her deep roots in the Hampton community and her unwavering commitment to player development, make her the perfect fit for this role,” stated President Darrell K. Williams. “Her track record of success at every level of the game, coupled with her passion for mentoring student-athletes, aligns perfectly with Hampton University’s mission of academic and athletic excellence. We are confident that under Tamisha’s leadership, the Lady Pirates will continue to thrive both on and off the court, and we look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”
Throughout her coaching tenure, Augustin has been associated with success on the court. She has been part of teams that have reached the NCAA tournament, including a memorable run with Arizona that saw the Wildcats advance to the championship game in 2021. Her coaching philosophy has yielded impressive results, with athletes under her tutelage garnering conference honors and national recognition.
During her time in the NBA G-League, Augustin was part of a coaching staff that oversaw nine call-ups, demonstrating her ability to develop players and prepare them for the next level.
At Florida, Augustin played a pivotal role in recruiting top-tier talent, aiding in the signing of three McDonald’s All-Americans and two Jordan Brand Classic participants. Her ability to attract standout players underscored her influence within the basketball community and contributed to the program’s success.
Focusing on player development, she was instrumental in coaching Cate Reese, a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree and Naismith Trophy candidate at Arizona. She helped Arizona’s Dominique McBryde become the first player in school history to shoot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. She led the team in both categories. At Cincinnati, she helped Iimar’i Thomas earn AAC Freshman of the Year honors.
Augustin is a proven elite recruiter who helped sign three Top 100 players and two top transfers during her two years in Arizona while laying the foundation for the sixth-best recruiting class in the nation. She played a crucial role in the signing of two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year Lauren Ware, as well as transfers Bendu Yeaney and 2020 ACC Sixth Player of the Year Trinity Baptiste.
At Minnesota, Augustin helped groom All-Big Ten Second Team honoree Carlie Wagner and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection Kenisha Bell. At Central Florida from 2014-16, Augustin helped bring in a class that included two players who earned AAC honors. Additionally, Augustin was instrumental in the signing of the Knights’ 2016 top-ranked recruiting class, according to Dan Olson’s Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. While at Marshall in 2012-13, she signed a top-100 recruit for the Thundering Herd. While at South Carolina State from 2010-12, she helped tutor a pair of all-conference selections, Whitney Wiley (2011 second-team All-MEAC) and Cabriel Duren (2012 MEAC All-Rookie) and signed a JUCO All-American in Brittany Cochran.
“I want to thank President (Darrell K.) Williams and Director of Athletics (Anthony D.) Henderson, for their leadership and trust in me to lead this program. Returning to my hometown of Hampton to lead these young ladies is a dream come true for me. I am incredibly honored and excited to have this opportunity to contribute to Hampton University Athletics’ rich tradition and mentor the talented student-athletes here,” stated Augustin. “My journey in basketball has been shaped by the values instilled in me by this community, and I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. Together, we will strive for greatness and build a legacy that honors the spirit of Hampton.”
On the education front, Augustin earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2005 and a master’s in microbiology in 2007. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Regent in 2010.
With a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court, Augustin’s leadership aligns perfectly with Hampton University’s values and mission. As she assumes her role as head coach, the Lady Pirates look poised to continue their legacy of excellence both on and off the court. With her extensive experience, proven track record, and dedication to player development, Augustin is set to guide the team to new heights. The support of the university and the community ensures that the Lady Pirates are well-positioned for success in the upcoming seasons under Augustin’s leadership.
The official press conference to welcome Coach Augustin will take place on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:00 am in the Convocation Center on Hampton University’s campus. Click here for what they are saying about Tamisha Augustin.