Tammy A. Bagby, who is in her second year as Athletic Directoy at Cheyney University, has 28 years’ experience in athletics as a basketball player and coach in high school, on the collegiate & professional level and in 2021 became Cheyney University- Athletic Director.
A.D. Bagby came to Cheyney as the Head Women's Basketball coach in October of 2016 and teh 2016-17 season was the inaugural season for Bagby as a college head coach.
Her first win occurred at Bloomsburg on January 3 and the Wolves went on to win six Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) games during the 16-17 season, which is the most conference wins since 1989-90 when the team won nine PSAC games.
Cheyney’s six victories overall equaled the total of the 2004 team and is the most since the 02-03 squad captured nine victories, including a 58-54 triumph over West Chester University on February 8, 2017, for its first win over Golden Rams since 1991.
During the 2017-18 season the Wolves again captured six victories and senior guard TaKayla Ellis earned 2nd-Team PSAC East accolades.
A.D. Bagby started her collegiate coaching career at Clark Atlanta University where she helped the program, led by CAU Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. Angelyne E. Brown, to the Southern Intercollegiate Conference Championship in 1999. Subsequently she was an integral part of building successful programs at Morgan State, Tennessee State, and Jackson State.
From 2009-10 she served as an Assistant coach and Director of Basketball Operations for the WNBA Tulsa Shock where she had the opportunity to work under the tutelage of Naismith Hall of Fame Head Coach Nolan Richardson, who had a glowing recommendation for Bagby:
“She was my assistant coach for the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock, her work ethic was impeccable and had the characteristics of a workaholic. She did whatever it took to get the job done. Many coaches only understand X’s and O’s, but her in-depth knowledge of all things basketball never ceases to amaze me. Coach Bagby has an exemplary understanding of the human side of the game. She has a holistic approach in working with athletes and personnel. Coach Bagby is extraordinary in communication and interpersonal skills, which allows her to communicate well with a wide range of personalities.”
From 2003-06, Bagby served as the Head Coach in France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, and Australia, where she taught and instructed American student-athletes.
A.D. Bagby began her playing career at the University of Oklahoma. She then transferred to Langston University in Langston, OK, where she finished in the program’s top ten in career three-pointers attempted and made, steals, and assists, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Following her collegiate playing career, she played professionally in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. But her resume extends beyond coaching and playing, Bagby’s basketball journey includes having a major role behind the scenes during the filming of Juwanna Mann, Vivica A. Fox Actor/Producer/Founder of VF Hair Collection speaks highly of Coach Bagby:
“Coach Bagby was the Technical Basketball Consultant for my movie Juwanna Mann. Working under highly pressurized & stressful conditions, she provided subject matter expertise that was vital to our process during filming. In an advisory role crucial to the choreography of the basketball scenes she communicated intricate details to the acting talent and the crew that made the film authentic. I’m confident Coach Bagby would add value to any program and highly recommend her because of her passion, dedication, and leadership skills.”
Helen M. Williams, President of HMW Sports Consulting and Author of “Coach Like a Mother – A Guide for the 21st Century Sports Coach” works with Coach Bagby because “Tammy is an incredible coaching talent and has a natural ability to connect with her players; meeting them where they are in life and guiding them to reach their full potential. Her unique, eclectic international and domestic background in basketball gives her a knowledge base that distinguishes her from others in the profession. Her innate curiosity and willingness to improve helps provide a positive quality of experience for her student-athletes. Cheyney University will benefit from the value she brings administratively and athletically.”
She has dedicated her A.D. journey to her late Auntie/Mom Mrs. Mattie Bagby-Alexander (Died October 2022) who always encourage her to follow her dreams.
A.D. Bagby family includes three nephews (James Jr, ChazRae’, and D’Vontate’) that she that she is proud to have raised.
