Temple University Athletics
Diane Richardson and Wanisha Smith named to ABIS Black Coaches Watchlist
3.20.24 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA — The Advancement of Blacks in Sports (ABIS) organization announced its 2024 Black Coaches Watchlists, with Temple Head Coach Diane Richardson and Assistant Coach Wanisha Smith being selected.
Richardson was one of 12 head coaches selected to the Mid-Major Black Head Coaches Watchlist. Smith was one of 26 assistant coaches across the NCAA Division I ranks to earn a spot on this year's Assistant/Associate Head Coach Watchlist.
This year's list features head coaches and rising assistant coaches from mid-level and major NCAA programs as recognized by their peers as some of the best in the business. Those nominated are considered to be the year's most deserving, qualified, and prepared Black coaches in the NCAA to elevate their careers to the next level.
Under Richardson and Smith, the Owls have made an impressive turnaround in the staff's two years at the helm. This year, Temple won its first regular season conference title since 2011-12, the first since joining the American Athletic Conference. The Owls tallied the most total wins since 2016-17. Temple's nine-game win improvement from last year to this season ties the program record for the largest turnaround in win totals.
