By Chris Stevens
HBCU Sports
https://hbcusports.com/
A successful Division II HBCU women’s basketball program has been led by men throughout the team’s history.
That will change in the 2026-27 season.
Ebony Tanner, who recently coached Elizabeth City State, has been named Shaw University’s new women’s basketball coach, making her the first woman in school history to serve in that capacity.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to return to Shaw University,” Tanner said in a statement released by the university. “Shaw is a place rich in tradition, excellence, and pride, and being a Lady Bear means representing something bigger than yourself. The legacy built by the women and coaches before us is special, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that tradition while pouring into the next generation of Lady Bears. I can’t wait to get to work and represent this university, our alumni, and our community with passion and pride.”
What to know about Ebony Tanner
Tanner previously worked at Shaw as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for four seasons, including a 2008 CIAA championship. She was also an assistant coach at the University of Hartford and her Alma mater, the University of Richmond.
As a player, Tanner was a two-time all Atlantic-10 selection and left the Lady Spiders ranking among the program’s leaders in points, rebounds, blocked shots, and field goal percentage.
Tanner coached ECSU for two seasons and, prior to that, led St. Augustine’s to a winning record before the school ceased athletic operations amid an ongoing financial crisis.
Tanner replaces interim coach Lou Hamilton, who was let go after replacing legendary coach Jacques Curtis days before the 2025-26 season began.
Curtis retired suddenly after allegations of abuse within the Lady Bears program began to surface.
