Roanoke College announced Tuesday that Tessa Hampton will take the reins of its women's basketball program, naming her head coach after a national search that concluded earlier this month.
Hampton arrives with a proven track record of elevating programs, having spent the past several years at Shenandoah University where she ascended from assistant to associate head coach and helped shape a competitive, academically driven squad.
Building on ODAC Success
During her tenure at Shenandoah, Hampton guided the team to four consecutive ODAC tournament semifinals and helped the program reach two championship games, a feat that cemented her reputation as a developmental coach capable of turning contenders into champions.
Her impact extended beyond wins, as she mentored two WBCA All‑Americans and coached 11 All‑ODAC selections, while also fostering academic excellence among her players.
Prior to Shenandoah, Hampton served as an assistant at Emory & Henry and as a graduate assistant at DeSales University, where the Bulldogs captured two MAC Freedom titles and earned a berth in the 2020 NCAA Division III Tournament.
A former player at Emory & Henry from 2015 to 2019, she contributed to an 83‑27 record and a 2018 NCAA Tournament appearance, bringing a player’s perspective to her coaching philosophy.
A New Era Begins
She succeeds Carla Flaherty, who stepped down earlier this summer after a distinguished stint that included three ODAC tournament appearances. Athletic Director Mark Daniels expressed confidence that Hampton’s blend of strategic acumen and player‑focused leadership will propel the program forward.
The college community looks forward to seeing how Hampton will translate her ODAC pedigree and developmental expertise into continued growth for Roanoke’s women’s basketball program.