Charleston Southern Welcomes Tim Hays as Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Charleston Southern University recently announced Tim Hays as the new head coach for its women’s basketball team. This marks an exciting new chapter for the Buccaneers, with Hays stepping in as the 17th head coach in the program’s history.
Hays comes to Charleston with an impressive coaching resume. Over his 16 seasons in collegiate coaching, he has built a strong record, winning 373 games against just 121 losses—an impressive .755 winning percentage. He has a remarkable ability to lead teams to success, including numerous conference titles and ten postseason appearances.
In his latest position at LSU Shreveport, Hays led his team to a 54-8 record, dominating their league with a 45-3 mark. Under his leadership, the program reached the NAIA Tournament twice, achieving significant milestones like earning a national ranking as high as #14. Hays emphasized academics as well; his team posted a program-record GPA of 3.46.
Jeff Barber, the university’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, praised Hays for his winning track record and commitment to student development. “He embodies the mission of Charleston Southern and will energize our campus,” Barber noted.
Hays also brings experience from his time at the University of Colorado, where he helped the team achieve its best season in two decades. They reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his ability to encourage both academic and athletic excellence.
Back in his earlier tenure at Southeastern University, Hays led the team to six consecutive conference championships. His teams often excelled in national rankings, with an undefeated record of 106-0 against conference opponents.
In addition to his coaching achievements, Hays is noted for his strong values. “My wife Crista and I are excited to join the Buccaneer family,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community and the university’s mission to develop students both on and off the court.
Various experts in the sports community have praised Hays’s hiring. JR Payne, head coach at Colorado, called him a fearless recruiter, while Charli Turner Thorne, a former head coach with significant experience, highlighted his leadership qualities and commitment to student-athletes.
Recent trends in women’s basketball show a growing emphasis on both competitiveness and academic success. According to a 2022 NCAA report, female athletes are achieving higher GPAs than ever before, with some programs reporting averages above 3.5. This illustrates the changing landscape of collegiate sports, where academics and athletics are increasingly intertwined.
With an introductory press conference set for next week, excitement is building within the Charleston Southern community. Fans are eager to see how Hays and his coaching philosophy will shape the future of Buccaneers basketball.
This new era promises not only victories but also the development of young women as leaders, both in sports and in their communities. As Hays embarks on this journey, his past achievements and vision for the team suggest a bright future for Charleston Southern Women’s Basketball.
