COACHING STAFF

Head Coach Kyle Adams

After two years as assistant coach to Marilyn Stephens, Cheyney University alumnus Kyle Adams (’99) has taken over the reins. Earlier this month Adams was named Head Women’s Basketball Coach by Ruffin Bell, Cheyney’s Director of Athletics.

"I am honored to be named the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Cheyney University. Cheyney is a special place for my family and I. I am excited to represent our university, and be part of its growth and tradition, and I look forward to building on the tradition of excellence at Cheyney. I feel very fortunate to be able to coach at my alma mater, and I thank our President Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital, and our Athletic Director Mr. Ruffin Bell for this amazing opportunity." I feel that being chosen to lead this basketball program is about our young ladies and providing them with a transformative educational experience through the sport of basketball. Being a student athlete on the college level should provide you with opportunities to learn and develop different strategies on how to BE SUCCESSFUL, not just on the basketball court, but also in LIFE... Make no mistake, LIFE IS A COMPETITIVE EDEAVOR, and it is our job as coaches to make the student athlete experience in our program simulate what they will face in their everyday lives.

Adams brings 15 years of experience to the hardwood. Adams came to Cheyney after spending two seasons at the University of Rio Grande as an Assistant Coach. Adams was involved in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, skill development, academic advisement, and summer camps. In addition to his coaching duties, Adams also served as the Coordinator of Multicultural Student Affairs, providing counseling, advocacy, and programming for underrepresented students at the university.

Prior to Rio, Adams was the top Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at local rival Lincoln University. While at Lincoln, Adams helped with the Lions move to Division II and return to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

In 2004, Adams served at Eastern University as an Assistant Coach and Assistant Multicultural Student Advisor.

Prior to Eastern, Adams served as Head Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Plattsburgh State University. While at PSU, Adams assisted in guiding the Cardinals to their first semi-final appearance in the SUNYAC playoffs in nine years.

Adams served at the Community College of Philadelphia as Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach to Head Coach, Robert "Dondi" DeShields. In 2002, CCP won the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association championship.

Adams began his collegiate career at Cheyney in 1999, as a volunteer Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach to then Head Coach, Robert Marshall.

A native of Philadelphia, Adams is a veteran clinician of the summer basketball camp circuit, teaching at such prestigious camps as Jay Wright Basketball Camp at Villanova, University of Pennsylvania Basketball Camp, St. Josephs Basketball Camp, Hoop Group Elite Camp, John Chaney- Sonny Hill Basketball Camp, United States Naval Academy Basketball Camp, Pocono Invitational Basketball Camp, and the Philly Point Guard Camp, where he served as Skill Development Coordinator.

Adams is also the founder of the Team Together Basketball Academy, which assists student-athletes in improving their skill set and mental approach to society, athletics and academics. With a vast background as an individual basketball skill instructor, Adams has trained and developed many student athletes who are currently competing at the Division I level, including:

* Dianna Thomas-Palmer, Hofstra University, 83rd-Best Forward- Class of 2012 by ESPN/HoopGurlz,
* Tyrek Duren, La Salle University-A10 All-Rookie Team 2011, 2nd Team All-NABC District IV All-Big 5 2012
* D.J. Irving, Boston University-2012 America East All-Conference 2011 America East All-Rookie Team
* Daniel Stewart, Rider University- Mid Major Freshman All American, MAAC All Freshman Team 2011
* Tariq Cephas, Coppin State University MEAC All-Rookie Team 2012
* Kiki Devane, Bethune Cookman University, Most Improved Award 2013

In addition, Adams is co-founder of LOOK, LISTEN, SHARE, CHANGE, which encourages and inspires young people to become socially conscience and assertive contributors of society. He holds memberships with the Black Coaches and Administrators (BCA), the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) He is a member of the Delaware Chapter of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association. Adams is a member of the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

Committed to developing professionally, Adams has attended The A Step Up- Assistant Women’s Basketball Coaches Symposium in Dallas presented by Felicia Hall Allen and Associates. Felicia Hall Allen & Associates is a motivational speaking, training, consulting and sports management organization. Adams also attended Coaching U Live- Maryland/ DC this past summer. The Coaching U LIVE program and clinic is a high intensity, no-nonsense, basketball, coaching, and leadership event for coaches at all levels. Coaching U is a leadership and coaching development organization co-founded by NBA Assistant Coaches Kevin Eastman and Brendan Suhr.

Adams received his B.A. in Psychology ’99 while earning a minor in Secondary Education and Social Science. He also earned his M.Ed in Athletic Coaching and Leadership from University of Rio Grande.

What they are saying about Coach Kyle Adams……..

Fred Batchelor, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore "Kyle's appointment to Head Women's Basketball Coach at Cheyney starts a fresh and new beginning for a program with a rich college basketball tradition. He is a very impressive young man with strong passion for coaching women's basketball and serving his alma mater in this capacity. Kyle demonstrates an unwavering commitment and passion to assist each and every one of his student athletes to reach their fullest potential in every facet of their lives. He will be diligent in his pursuit to bring back the pride and respect of Cheyney Women’s Basketball."

Dawn Brown, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Prairie View A&M University "Coach Adams is a very passionate person that embraces the overall well-being of his student athletes. He is a teacher, a mentor and most of all a relentless leader. He's an inspiration to me and I know his future is BRIGHT!"

Felicia Hall Allen, President and CEO of Felicia Hall Allen & Associates "Kyle Adams is the right fit at the right time. His love for his alma mater and respect for the history of the program will elevate Cheyney Women's Basketball to new heights."

Brandy Manning, Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Southern California "Kyle is one of the rising stars in the coaching profession. He possesses a tremendous work ethic and will have Cheyney competing in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in no time."