NORMAL —  After the most successful season in program history at the NCAA Division I level, Alabama A&M head women’s basketball coach Dawn Thornton has signed a three-year contract extension, Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant announced today.

“Coach Dawn Thornton has brought a new era of excellence to Alabama A&M women’s basketball,” Bryant said. “Her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, her strategic acumen, and her passion for HBCU athletics have made an immediate impact.

“Extending her contract reflects our confidence in her leadership and our shared vision for sustained success.”

In her first season on The Hill, Thornton guided Alabama A&M to a 21-11 overall record, including a 14-4 mark inside the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), along with a trip to the WNIT.

The 20-win season marked the first-ever for the Bulldogs since becoming an NCAA Division I member in 1999 and just the fifth time it happened in program history.

“I’m truly honored to continue my journey at Alabama A&M University. This extension is bigger than basketball. It’s about impact, legacy, and purpose,” Thornton said. “Every day I’m reminded that coaching is about more than winning games. It’s about shaping women into leaders, dreamers, and world changers. I’m thankful for the trust, the support, and the belief in what we are building here.”

“The foundation is set, but the mission continues. We’re just getting started, and there’s still history to make on The Hill. Big energy always.”

The Bulldogs open their season tonight with a 6 p.m. tip-off against Talladega in the AAMU Event Center. Then, Ole Miss visits The Hill for a 7 p.m. Friday.