Adia Barnes Leaves Arizona to Become SMU Women’s Basketball Head Coach

DALLAS, Texas — Adia Barnes, the head coach of Arizona‘s women’s basketball team, has accepted the same position at Southern Methodist University (SMU), marking a significant change in her coaching career after a successful nine-season run at her alma mater.

The announcement came Saturday, highlighting Barnes’ excitement about the opportunity at SMU. ‘I’m truly excited for the opportunity to be the next head coach at SMU,’ Barnes said in a news release. ‘Having seen the commitment and alignment on the Hilltop, I believe we can compete on the national stage and for ACC championships.’

Under Barnes, Arizona women’s basketball achieved remarkable success, including its first appearance in the national championship game in 2021 and six postseason berths over the past seven seasons. Barnes leaves Arizona with a record of 169-114, making her the second-winningest coach in the school’s history.

Despite her achievements, Barnes faced uncertainties regarding resources and support from the athletic department in her final seasons at Arizona. This came to a head as she entered the final year of her contract amid discussions of her future.

SMU’s new athletic director, Damon Evans, recently made headlines after firing head coach Toyelle Wilson following a difficult 10-20 season. Evans expressed a commitment to dedicating resources to women’s basketball, which may have been appealing to Barnes.

“We are happy to welcome Adia to the Mustang family,” Evans said. “She has had great success at Arizona, leading her teams to postseason appearances and 20-win seasons while her teams also set records in the classroom. The future is bright for SMU women’s basketball.”

One key aspect of Barnes’ move to SMU is the program’s potential for growth and investment in athletics, especially after SMU’s recent transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The school experienced success in other women’s sports, notably women’s volleyball, which thrived in its first year in the ACC.

Barnes’ tenure at Arizona revitalized a program that struggled in the years prior to her arrival, leading the Wildcats to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament title in 2019 and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including an impressive run to the Final Four in 2021. Establishing a strong rapport with community supporters and recruits was a hallmark of her coaching style.

The Wildcats’ popularity under Barnes increased dramatically, with program attendance rising significantly. This past season, Arizona averaged 6,695 fans per game, a stark contrast to the 1,386 fans per game when Barnes first took over in 2016.

Barnes inherits a challenging situation at SMU, which has not qualified for the NCAA Tournament since 2008. The Mustangs will look to her leadership and proven track record as they aim to rebuild their program. “My family and I can’t wait to get to Dallas and I can’t wait to get to work! Go Mustangs!” Barnes concluded in her statement.

As Barnes embarks on this new chapter, Arizona’s athletic director, Desireé Reed-Francois, is expected to launch a search for a new head coach, continuing the legacy of a program that Barnes significantly elevated during her time.