Pronghorn Athletics is excited to announce the return of a familiar face as Dave Adams has been named the new head coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball program. Adams becomes the 11th head coach in the program’s history.
“Dave brings a real energy to the program,” says Ken McInnes, Interim Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services. “He will provide the stability and community engagement the women’s program needs to succeed. I know everyone is looking forward to having Dave on campus as soon as his obligations are fulfilled with his current employer.”
Adams spent three seasons at the helm of the men’s basketball program from 2009 to 2013 and also served in an interim capacity with the men’s program for the 2001-02 season.
Adams finished his second tenure with the men’s program in 2013, compiling a 46-60 win-loss record, the second best winning percentage of any Pronghorns men’s basketball coach. His teams made three trips to the Canada West playoffs.
He tendered his resignation following the 2013 season after leading the Pronghorns to a 12-win campaign, the most the program had achieved since the 1999-2000 season, accepting a position as Principal/Superintendent for Alruwad International Schools in Muscat, Oman. Adams ultimately returned to southern Alberta a year later.
"It is with great respect and enthusiasm that the stewardship of Pronghorns women's basketball is handed to me from (former) coach Erin McAleenan,” says Adams. “Our program looks forward to working in collaboration with Horns both past and present, the outstanding feeder systems in southern Alberta high schools, the CCAA silver medalists at Lethbridge College, the good people at the University of Lethbridge and the supportive community of southern Alberta.”
Adams began his coaching career at Catholic Central High School immediately following the end of his playing career. In 1984, he took over the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's program and in four seasons, compiled a record of 104-28, including three ACAC medals (one silver and two bronze).
A Lethbridge resident for nearly 40 years, Adams also has extensive experience with provincial and national organizations, coaching with the Alberta Provincial program from 1993-97 and with the Basketball Canada Centre for Performance from 2004 to 2006.
As the head coach of the provincial program, Adams led Team Alberta to a silver medal at the Western Canada Games in 1993. He was also at the helm for silver and bronze medals for Team Alberta at the national championships.
As a player, Adams suited up for 76 games for the Blue and Gold from 1976-81, having his best season during the 1980-81 season when he averaged 11.9 points per game.