Lincoln hires McWilliams

Ayana McWilliams is ready to take the next step in her coaching career as she was named head coach of the Lincoln women’s basketball program Monday.

“I appreciate all the support that I’ve had to get to this point,” McWilliams said. “I’d like to thank (Lincoln University president) Dr. Rome for this opportunity, and for trusting me to help carry on the vision of this college. I’m extremely excited about being a part of the Lincoln University family and even more excited about its future.”

It will be the first head coaching position for McWilliams, who has spent the past five years as an assistant at the University of South Carolina Upstate. The Division I team won a school-record 22 games this season and advanced to the postseason in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament.

Lincoln director of athletics John Moseley said McWilliams had all of the things the school was looking for in a head coach.

“We were looking for an individual that could recruit a mixture of talent; would have a terrific work ethic, discipline and high character; as well as display passion for the opportunity to build a successful program here at Lincoln University,” Moseley said.

“We found all of that, and more, in Ayana McWilliams. After speaking with coaches that she had worked with in the past, it was clear that her experiences in Division I and Division II had prepared her to become a head coach. Her recruiting resume is impressive at both the DI and DII levels, and the success of the teams that she worked with has been tremendous.”

McWilliams has also served as an assistant at Elizabeth City, Livingstone and Winston-Salem State. As a player, she spent two seasons at East Carolina before transferring to Brevard College in Brevard, N.C. At Brevard, McWilliams is the all-time leader in assists (296) and steals (288).

McWilliams replaces Nicole Collier, who had been the head coach for the past four seasons. Lincoln was 8-20 last season.