Southern Polytechnic State University has named Ms. Laquanda Dawkins as Head Women's Basketball Coach. "Laquanda brings a strong academic/athletic philosophy to our program," commented Athletic Director Karl Staber. "We are very excited to have Laquanda join our staff." Originally from Shelby, North Carolina, Coach Dawkins comes to Southern Poly from Winthrop University where she has spent the previous four years as Assistant Women's Basketball Coach. 
She has also spent time as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Florida International University and the University of Iowa. Dawkins says "I'm excited to be a part of the Southern Poly family and am looking forward to helping build on the program's success."

Coach Dawkins is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and was a four year member of the Tar Heel Women's Basketball team.