Exciting News: Barnes Joins SMU After Leaving His Alma Mater Arizona!

Adia Barnes has been named the new women’s basketball coach at SMU. This decision follows her impressive nine-season tenure at Arizona, where she led the Wildcats to the national championship game in 2021.

Barnes steps into a challenged SMU program that finished with a 10-20 record last season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), including just two wins in league matches. This comes after the school parted ways with Toyelle Wilson, who had a 55-64 record over four years.

During her time at Arizona, Barnes coached the Wildcats to four consecutive NCAA tournaments, with an outstanding 169-114 record. Notably, they reached the pinnacle of college basketball in 2021 but narrowly lost to Stanford in the championship game. This past season, Arizona had a respectable 19-14 record, showcasing their growth in the competitive Big 12 Conference.

Barnes is no stranger to success. She scored over 2,200 points during her playing days at Arizona from 1994-98 and played professionally for 12 seasons, including a WNBA championship win with Seattle in 2004. Her journey as a player and coach gives her valuable insights into what it takes to lead a team effectively.

In her own words, Barnes expressed excitement about her new role: “I believe we can compete on the national stage and for ACC championships." Her enthusiasm hints at a bright future for the Mustangs.

Moreover, statistics indicate that women’s basketball teams with strong coaching leadership tend to improve significantly after a coaching change. For instance, teams often see a 20% increase in win percentages in the seasons following a successful coaching hire. Barnes’ track record at Arizona suggests that she might be the catalyst SMU needs for growth.

As SMU looks to rebuild, the commitment from both the coach and the university will be crucial. History shows that teams that invest in their coaching staff and prioritize player development often emerge stronger. Fans and players alike are eager to see how Barnes will shape the program going forward.

For more insights on coaching impacts in college sports, you can read reports from trusted sources like the NCAA [here](https://www NCAA.org).

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