Pillow resigns head coaching post at FAMU
Photo courtesy FAMU athletics
Special to the Outlook
Shalon Pillow has resigned as head coach of the women’s basketball program at FAMU, the university announced. Pillow’s last day is Aug. 1, ending her tenure at FAMU after three years and two seasons.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to lead the women’s basketball program over the last three years,” said Pillow last Thursday in a release about her resignation. “I am more than grateful to have had the opportunity of working with the young women on the team and be part of their development on and off the court.”
Pillow and the Rattlers went 4-14 in SWAC play in both seasons and defeated Georgia State in a non-conference home game during the 2022-23 season. Pillow had one of the SWAC’s top scorers in Dylan Horton in back-to-back seasons and was leading the league in scoring during the 2021-22 season before Horton suffered a season-ending injury at Alabama State.
Under Pillow, the Rattlers had one All-SWAC member in Horton, earning All-SWAC Second Team in 2022-23 and eight SWAC Player/Impact Player of the Week. Pillow also saw 10 student-athletes earn their degrees.
“I want to thank coach Pillow for the years of service she has provided FAMU,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes. “I wish her the best as she prepares for the next chapter in her professional career.”
Pillow didn’t come close to the coaching success she had before arriving at FAMU.
She had more than 15 years of successful coaching and skill development experience after serving as an assistant at Middle Tennessee State University under Hall of Fame Coach Rick Insell. Additionally, several of the players she coached made it to the WNBA.
There was no immediate mention when a search will begin to replace Pillow at FAMU.
“Right now, my focus is on supporting our student-athletes. Many of them just arrived on campus last week for summer school, and I want to ensure that this is a seamless transition for them academically and athletically. I look forward to identifying the next leader of FAMU Women’s Basketball in the coming days.”
