Shaw University announced that Ebony Tanner will assume the role of head coach for the women's basketball team beginning with the 2026‑27 season, marking a historic milestone for the program and the institution.
A Return to Familiar Grounds
Tanner's connection to Shaw runs deep; she previously served as an assistant coach for four seasons, contributing to a 2008 CIAA championship and gaining invaluable experience that now positions her to lead the program she once helped elevate.
Before her tenure at Shaw, she honed her craft at Elizabeth City State and also held assistant positions at the University of Hartford and the University of Richmond, where she further refined her strategic approach and player development skills.
Her playing career was equally impressive, earning two-time all‑Atlantic‑10 honors and ranking among the program’s leaders in points, rebounds, blocked shots and field‑goal percentage, a foundation that informs her coaching philosophy.
Tanner also guided St. Augustine's to a winning record before the school discontinued its athletic offerings, demonstrating her ability to build competitive teams under challenging circumstances.
She replaces interim coach Lou Hamilton, who stepped in after longtime leader Jacques Curtis retired amid abuse allegations. Hamilton's brief stint highlighted the program's instability, setting the stage for Tanner's appointment to restore continuity and direction.
The university community anticipates that Tanner's leadership will not only rejuvenate the team's performance but also inspire greater participation among young women in the region, reinforcing Shaw's commitment to athletic excellence and gender equity.