The College of Charleston women’s basketball program added a crucial piece to the puzzle, as head coach Candice M. Jackson introduced Ayana Dunning as the Cougars’ new Director of Basketball Operations on Aug. 11, 2015.
“Ayana comes in with a lot of different experience, both as a player and a junior college assistant coach,” Jackson said. “She knows the game, and we like her passion and enthusiasm.”
Dunning comes to CofC after making her coaching debut last year as an assistant coach at Iowa Central College. She helped lead the Tritons to a 20-12 overall record, with four of her players reaching ICCAC All-Region veneration under her tutelage.
“I’m excited to come into a situation like this where we have a hungry young team on the rise,” Dunning said. “It’s an honor to be a part of what Coach Jackson has planned for this program and to help her grow it.”
Prior to her time as an assistant coach, Dunning played basketball as a center at West Virginia from 2009-13. During her time with the Mountaineers, she was a force on the hardwood, helping lead WVU to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances during her career.
Dunning wrapped up her collegiate resume as the Mountaineers’ seventh-best single-season rebounder (286) and walked away with the ninth-most career-offensive rebounds in school history. Her senior season reached its crescendo when she was awarded All-Big 12 Conference honors for the second-consecutive year.
“Right away, Ayana blew everybody away with everything she brings to the table,” Jackson said. “Everybody who knows her says she is very nurturing. On top of everything else she is going to do for us, she will be good in that sisterly role for our young women. We are thrilled to have her.”
Dunning received her bachelor’s degree in sports management from West Virginia in 2011 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in communications.
