A new chapter for NC State women’s basketball
NC State’s women’s basketball program announced its 2026‑27 coaching staff on Tuesday, confirming the addition of Dan Dardarian as director of video and scouting and Ethan Fancher as graduate assistant. The moves come as the Wolfpack ride a wave of recent success, having captured an ACC Tournament title in 2022, a regular‑season championship in 2025, and a string of deep NCAA tournament runs that include three Sweet 16 appearances and a Final Four berth in 2024.
Dan Dardarian’s extensive résumé
Dardarian arrives with nearly a decade of Division I experience, having most recently served as team and recruitment analyst for Indiana’s women’s basketball program during the 2025‑26 season. His career also includes stints at Vanderbilt, SMU and Michigan, where he managed a video database of over 400 games per season and helped the Wolverines reach their first Sweet 16 in school history in 2021.
At NC State, Dardarian will oversee the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive scouting archive, coordinate schedule logistics and support the coaching staff with advanced analytics. His background in both men’s and women’s programs equips him to provide a nuanced perspective on opponent tendencies and player development.
Ethan Fancher’s home‑grown rise
Fancher, a former student manager and practice player who graduated with a communications degree in December 2025, will transition from the bench to a full‑time coaching role. Over five seasons he was a key practice presence during the Wolfpack’s 2024 Final Four run and contributed to the team’s record‑setting 32‑win campaign in 2021‑22.
Now entering his first graduate‑assistant position, Fancher will assist with player development, film exchange and day‑to‑day operations. His intimate knowledge of the program’s culture and recent on‑court achievements positions him to bridge the gap between the roster and the new coaching staff.
A strategic boost for the program
The hiring of Dardarian and Fancher reflects a broader strategy to deepen the program’s analytical capabilities while preserving the home‑grown ethos that has defined recent successes. By retaining talent that has experienced both the rigors of practice and the thrill of tournament play, the coaching staff hopes to maintain continuity and accelerate growth.
Looking ahead
Fans can expect a seamless integration of new responsibilities as the Wolfpack prepares for the upcoming season. The blend of seasoned analytical insight and familiar program knowledge suggests a continued emphasis on disciplined preparation and adaptive game planning, factors that have propelled the team to its recent highs.