Cheyney University of Pennsylvania today announced its former women’s basketball coach Tammy A. Bagby has been named as the university’s new Athletic Director, setting the stage for all teams to return to the courts for the upcoming sports season.
Bagby, who had been at the helm of the women’s basketball program since 2016, immediately assumes her new role. She will oversee the hiring of new head coaches for the women’s and men’s basketball teams and for the women’s volleyball team.
“I am proud to reflect on the phrase ‘I am Cheyney Made’ because that is what prepared me for my dream job as the new Athletic Director,” said Bagby. “Many of my colleagues know that the wolf is my spirit animal, and it is an honor to work at Cheyney University and be a part of the Wolfpack’s success.”
Bagby has more than 25 years of experience as a collegiate and professional coach. Along with her recent role coaching the Wolves, she was part of several collegiate teams including Clark Atlanta University, Morgan State, Tennessee State and Jackson State. Her resume also includes serving as an Assistant Coach and Director of Basketball Operations for the WNBA Tulsa Shock, coaching several international teams where she taught and instructed American student-athletes. In addition, she played professionally in Slovakia and the Czech Republic after playing at the University of Oklahoma and Langston University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has a master’s degree in public administration from West Chester University.
“We are extremely excited to have Tammy lead our university back onto the courts,” said Cheyney President Aaron A. Walton. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to oversee our athletic programs and she has already done a fantastic job with our student athletes on and off the court. We can’t wait to see the success she will continue to bring as we move our athletics program forward.”
Bagby’s new role is part of the university’s long-term plans, including expanding its current sports engagements beyond the three existing teams. A major component of the plan is construction of a state-of-the-art sports complex on campus.
“Cheyney has made tremendous strides in just the last few years,” said President Walton. “We are building on that momentum through ongoing efforts to grow our academic programs, on-campus internship opportunities and expanding partnerships that are providing yet more internships for our students. We know our sports programs play an important role in our student athletes’ academic success and bring pride to our alumni. We are committed to the course we have charted.”
Cheyney did not participate in the 2020-21 regular season due to the Covid 19 pandemic. On May 18, the university announced its intention to return to the courts for the 2021-22 season as restrictions were being lifted for Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The university factored all health and safety conditions into its decision to return for the upcoming season.
Additionally, Cheyney has already been in communication with several universities and colleges to establish full schedules for the upcoming season. Cheyney competes as an independent school and is not part a specific league or conference.
“As always, we are proud of our exceptional student athletes who have displayed strong character during the difficult challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Bagby. “We are happy to announce that all three sports will have a full schedule for the Fall 2021-2022 season.
“The excitement for athletics is back. Let’s Go Wolves!”
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About Cheyney – Founded in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is the nation’s oldest
historically Black institution of higher education. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility among not only Historically Black Colleges and Universities, but in all of American higher education. The campus is located on 275 acres straddling Delaware and Chester Counties. Read more at www.cheyney.edu.