Wiley University is currently searching for a new head coach of its women's basketball program following the departure of DeWitt Mandley, who accepted a similar role at William Penn University.
A Legacy of Excellence
During his tenure, Mandley guided the Lady Wildcats to 43 victories, including five postseason wins, and led the team to the HBCUAC championship game in 2025. The squad also captured the HBCUAC West Division title in the most recent season.
Academic achievement was equally notable. The team posted a 3.53 cumulative GPA for the 2025‑26 academic year, and every one of the 16 roster members maintained a 3.0 or higher GPA.
The program, founded in 1972 by Willie Mae Owens, has a storied history that includes five NAIA Tournament appearances, a historic "Fab Four" run in 2014, and eight conference or division titles. As a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Wiley sponsors 14 varsity sports and competes in both the HBCUAC and NACE.
Looking ahead, the university plans to add men’s and women’s golf, women’s flag football, and bass fishing to its athletic slate for the 2027‑28 academic year, underscoring its commitment to expanding opportunities for student‑athletes.
The search committee is tasked with identifying a leader who can preserve the program’s winning tradition while continuing to emphasize academic excellence. Candidates will be evaluated on their coaching record, ability to recruit talent, and alignment with Wiley’s mission.