Following the departure of women’s basketball coach Dawn Thornton, who transitioned to head the Alabama A&M women’s program, Arkansas-Pine Bluff has formally announced its new leader.
The Golden Lions will advance with former WNBA draft pick and home-state prodigy Erica Leak as its head coach.
“First, I would like to thank God for orchestrating the perfect timing [and] the perfect place to begin my college coaching career,” said Leak to begin her opening remarks during her introductory press conference.
She continued, “Upon my arrival to campus, it felt like home, like family, it felt right.”
Leak was a standout guard who was the number one high school recruit coming out of Arkansas in the 2001 class.
#UAPBWomensHoops: Erica Leak Named UAPB Women's Head Basketball Coach https://t.co/3g6qE74y5q
— 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 (@UAPBLionsRoar) April 25, 2024
She committed to Louisiana Tech to play all four years, leading the team to the NCAA tournament each year.
The Arkansas-born player averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in 112 career games. She was named to two All-WAC teams, two WAC All-Defensive teams, and two WAC All-Tournament teams.
Leak then transitioned to the pro level, where she was selected for the second round of the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics.
Her most recent coaching experience came as the head coach of the West Memphis High School girl’s basketball team.
“I will take my knowledge and experience to instill the spirit of excellence into this team,” said Leak. “Players will understand and respect the rich, historic tradition, and they will play with pride. They will understand what it means to put that jersey on with UAPB across their chest, and they will know it’s bigger than them. They will play for the ones that came before them. We will strive for academic excellence and be on the path for career success. They will also understand the importance of giving back and serving their community, knowing that serving someone other than yourself is very important.”
