ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) announced Monday morning the hiring of LaTanya Collins as the new head coach for the women’s basketball team. Collins, a seasoned coach with experience across multiple NCAA divisions, becomes the 17th head coach in the program’s history. She takes over immediately, with excitement and optimism for the future of the Seahawk women’s basketball program.
In her statement, Collins expressed her gratitude, saying, “I would like to say thank you to Ms. Gibson and everyone who was a part of the process at St. Mary’s College of Maryland that decided I would be the next leader of the women’s basketball program. My heart is full of excitement and gratitude for this opportunity. The people, the school, and the city are all so special. I am looking forward to cultivating a lot of celebratory moments at SMCM. I am truly proud to be a Seahawk!”
Experienced Coaching Career
Collins joins St. Mary’s with an impressive coaching resume, having worked at all levels of NCAA basketball (Divisions I, II, and III), as well as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Her diverse background includes both head coaching and assistant roles, with a focus on player development and team success. At every stop in her career, Collins has demonstrated a commitment to growth, both for herself and her players.
She has participated in numerous professional development programs, including the NCAA Women Coaches Academy in 2007 and its advanced version, the NCAA Women Coaches Academy 2.0, in 2024. Collins has twice attended the Head Coaches Training Center (in 2017 and 2023) and was a participant in the NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy in 2023. Her dedication to continuing education reflects her passion for evolving as a leader and mentor.
Success at Iona University
Collins most recently served as the associate head coach at NCAA Division I Iona University in New Rochelle, New York, during the 2023-24 season. At Iona, she was responsible for the development of post players, who contributed 52 percent of the Gaels’ offensive output. Her impact on the team extended beyond individual player growth, helping guide the program’s overall success.
Before Iona, Collins worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) during the 2022-23 season, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. During her time at FDU, Collins helped lead the team to a Northeast Conference (NEC) regular-season championship. She also coached two All-NEC players and contributed to the Knights’ historic first 20-win season.
Detroit Mercy and Mindful Leadership
From 2020 to 2022, Collins was an assistant coach and interim head coach at the University of Detroit Mercy. In addition to her on-court success, she introduced “Mindful Mondays,” an initiative focused on mental well-being, positive mindset, and culture development within the team. Her emphasis on holistic player development proved effective as the Titans ranked second in steals and fourth in offensive rebounds during her tenure in the Horizon League.
Looking Ahead at St. Mary’s
At St. Mary’s, Collins inherits a women’s basketball program that has seen notable success in recent years. The Seahawks have produced the last two United East Conference Rookie of the Year winners and have made three consecutive semifinal appearances in the United East Championship Tournament. Over the past three seasons, the team has amassed 43 wins.
St. Mary’s Athletic Director Crystal Gibson expressed confidence in Collins’ ability to lead the program, pointing to her extensive experience and vision for the team’s future. “We are excited to have Coach Collins on board,” Gibson said. “Her background and approach to the game make her the right fit for our women’s basketball program, and we are eager to see her leadership in action.”
Educational Background
Collins’ journey in education began with a B.S. in biology (pre-med) from Virginia State University, where she graduated in 2000. She later earned an M.S. in exercise science and health promotions from California University of Pennsylvania in 2015, further complementing her qualifications to lead collegiate athletes both on and off the court.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Collins will be tasked with continuing the success of the SMCM women’s basketball program while building on the strong foundation laid by her predecessors. With her track record of success, commitment to player development, and innovative leadership style, there is optimism that Collins will help take the Seahawks to even greater heights in the seasons to come.
