Former Lady Hornet Great Barbara Burgess Named New Delaware State University Women's Basketball Coach

Courtesy: DSU Athletics/Rodney Adams
(L) Dr. Harry L. Williams (C) Barbara Burgess (R) Skip Perkins

DOVER, Delawae -- One of the greatest players in Delaware State University women’s basketball history has returned to her alma mater as the new head coach of the Lady Hornets.

DSU President Harry L. Williams and Interim Athletics Director Louis “Skip” Perkins announced the appointment of Barbara Burgess as the school’s ninth head coach during a press conference today.

Burgess, who starred for the Lady Hornets from 1985 to ’89, most recently served as an assistant coach at Delaware State’s highly successful MEAC rival Hampton University the past six seasons. While at Hampton, Burgess helped lead the Lady Pirates to five MEAC Tournament titles, five regular season crowns and six national championship tournament appearances.

During Burgess’ tenure as an assistant coach, the Lady Pirates won a MEAC-record five consecutive tournament championships from 2009-to2014. Hampton posted an overall record of 146-48 (.753), including an 88-8 mark (.917) in MEAC regular season play; and won 54 consecutive games vs. league opponents (including tournament games) while she served with the program.

“We believe that Barbara’s championship experience at Hampton, along with the intensity and passion she developed in her playing days with the Lady Hornets will greatly benefit our women’s basketball program,” Dr. Williams said.

Prior to her time at Hampton, Burgess served one season as an assistant coach at Norfolk State University(2008-09). She was head women’s coach at Virginia Union University from 1999-2001; and head girls coach at Phoebus High School in Hampton, Va. (2002-08) and Huguenot High School in Richmond, Va. (1992-98)

Before entering the coaching ranks, Burgess enjoyed a standout four-year career with the Lady Hornets. A two-time All-MEAC First Team selection, she is DSU’s second all-time scorer with 1,807 points; and fourth-leading rebounder with 817 boards. During her senior year, she helped lead the Lady Hornets to their first MEAC Tournament championship game.

Burgess was a star at Delaware State from 1985 to '89

Burgess was selected as Delaware State’s Female Athlete-of-the-Year in 1988 and ’89; and was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2000.

“Barbara stood out among some outstanding candidates for the position, not just because she’s a Lady Hornet alum, but because of her highly successful experience as a teacher of the game and recruiter, as well as her commitment to academics and community service,” AD Perkins said. “We believe Barbara will bring a high level of excellence back to the Lady Hornet program she helped to make so successful as a student-athlete.”

Burgess earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Delaware State in 1990. She also has a 2011 Master of Science in Sports Management and Intercollegiate Athletics Administration from California University of Pennsylvania.

Her appointment marks the second time that a former Lady Hornet player has headed the DSU women’s basketball program. Jackie Devane was head coach from 1995-2000 after competing for the team from 1979 to ’83.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS