Tennessee State has hired WNBA Champion Candice Dupree as head coach of the women's basketball team, per a statement from the institution. Dupree is a decorated professional player with 16 years of experience in the WNBA and two seasons as an assistant coach in the NBA.

Dupree spoke about her excitement to take the reins at Tennessee State in a statement, saying, “I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead and coach the future of women's basketball at Tennessee State University. I am eager to continue building our program in alignment with the incredible culture and values embodied within the Tiger Family. It is an honor to be entrusted with upholding the tradition and legacy of TSU while embracing the evolving landscape of sports. Most importantly, I am committed to nurturing the holistic development of our student-athletes.”

Director of Athletics Mikki Allen also spoke about the hire in a statement, saying, “Hiring Candice Dupree marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of excellence,” said Allen. “Her legendary playing career and success as an NBA assistant coach in player development bring unmatched expertise to our women's basketball program. We're excited to welcome her championship mindset and global influence within the basketball community, setting the stage for unprecedented success here at Tennessee State University.”

Dupree boasts an illustrious basketball career, having competed for Temple University with the renowned head coach Dawn Staley. Staley is famous for her successful tenure with the South Carolina Gamecocks, culminating in an undefeated season that led to a national championship victory during the 2023-2024 season. Dupree played for the Owls from 2002-2006 and is in the record books several times for the program.

She ranks second all-time at TU in field goal percentage (51.4%), sixth in scoring (1,698), fifth in rebounds (968), and is tied for second in blocked shots (218). In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Dupree was inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Temple retired her jersey, making her the second player to receive this honor.

During her time as a player, the team achieved significant success. Temple secured three conference titles, triumphed in 73 games – a record 25 consecutive wins, and remained in the national rankings for 27 consecutive weeks.

After leaving Temple, she was selected sixth overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2006 WNBA Draft. Throughout her 494 games, Dupree maintained an impressive average of 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Currently, Dupree ranks third in WNBA history in made field goals (2,842), fifth in career points (6,895), fifth in games played, and seventh in total rebounds (3,149). In 2014, she clinched her first WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury, leading them to a 3–0 finals sweep against her former team, the Chicago Sky. She played alongside Diana Taurasi and Brittany Griner and was a fixture for the team's title run to the title.

She has achieved remarkable success on an international scale. Dupree's accomplishments include winning the Hungarian League Championship in 2019. Additionally, she secured gold medals at the 2004 World University Games and the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Cups while representing Team USA.

She inherits a talented Tennessee State women's team that has clinched OVC Tournament berths in three consecutive seasons, securing opening-round victories in 2022 and 2024. An official press conference will be announced soon.