A New Chapter: Tynesha Lewis Leaving Elizabeth City State University To Coach At UNC Asheville
Elizabeth City hadn’t had a winning season before Lewis joined the HBCU campus. Tynesha Lewis is moving on from HBCU coaching after three successful years at Elizabeth City State University. On April 12, Lewis was named as the head coach at University of North Carolina Asheville.
Lewis has an impressive record of 61-29 over her three seasons at ECSU, with appearances in three different CIAA tournament championships. Her skills as a coach and experience as a WNBA player set her apart. UNC Asheville Athletic Director Janet R. Cone expressed in a statement, “We are so excited to have Tynesha Lewis as our next head women’s basketball coach. Her experiences as a player at NC State and in the WNBA, and as a successful head coach at Elizabeth City State demonstrate that she knows how to compete and win at a high level, that she cares deeply about her student-athletes and their holistic development both on and off the court, and that she places a high value on doing things the right way. Tynesha will work tirelessly in getting our women’s basketball program to a place of consistent competitive excellence.”
From Court to Campus:
Elizabeth City hadn’t seen a winning season before Lewis brought her expertise to the campus. Her leadership helped the team earn 20 straight wins, marking a significant achievement for the Northeastern, North Carolina, team. Lewis, a former WNBA player, was drafted by the Houston Comets as the 31st pick in the 2001 Draft. She played in the WNBA for six seasons, representing teams such as the Charlotte Sting and the Minnesota Lynx in addition to the Comets.
Prior to her professional career, Lewis showcased her skills at NC State University, where she was a four-time All-ACC selection. She played a pivotal role in leading the Wolfpack to the Final Four in 1998 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2001. Her impact on the program was undeniable, ranking first in triple-doubles and recording the only two triple-double performances in school history at the time, across both male and female programs. Lewis maintained an impressive career average of 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Continuing the Legacy:
As Lewis transitions to UNC Asheville, she leaves behind a lasting legacy at Elizabeth City State University. Her dedication to the game, coupled with her experience and leadership, has not only elevated the ECSU basketball program but has also inspired student-athletes to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
The move to UNC Asheville signifies a new chapter in Lewis’ coaching career, where she is poised to bring the same drive and determination that defined her tenure at ECSU. With a focus on competitive excellence and the holistic development of her players, Lewis is prepared to lead the UNC Asheville women’s basketball program to new heights.
As Lewis embarks on this exciting journey, her impact and influence in the world of basketball and collegiate athletics are set to continue, shaping the futures of the student-athletes under her guidance.
