Tina Roy, a former South Carolina women's basketball player, has returned to the Palmetto State to coach the inaugural girls' basketball team at ALA Blythewood, a charter school that opened its doors this year.
A Playing Legacy
During her collegiate years from 2011 to 2016, Roy was a key contributor to the Gamecocks' rise, earning a spot on the 2015 Final Four roster and helping the program capture three SEC regular‑season titles and two SEC Tournament championships.
After completing a three‑year tenure at Kaplan High in Louisiana, where she earned Region Coach of the Year honors in 2023, Roy brings a blend of playing experience and coaching acumen to her new role.
Coaching Roots
She has spoken openly about modeling her approach on the culture she absorbed from Dawn Staley, the longtime South Carolina coach whose social‑media welcome highlighted the significance of Roy's homecoming.
Building Incrementally
The school will begin with a junior varsity schedule this season, with plans to add a varsity slate next year, allowing the program to develop chemistry and depth at a measured pace.
Roy's long‑term vision is to establish a sustainable foundation that improves each season, echoing the gradual growth she observed while watching the Gamecocks' program expand under Staley's guidance.