Photo courtesy of NMSU Athletics.

Following former head coach Jody Adams’s dismissal from her head coaching position with the New Mexico State women’s basketball team, the university has announced its 13th head coach in the program’s history. 

Athletic Director Joe Fields announced Adeniyi Amadou as the new head coach on Wednesday, March 11.  

“I had the opportunity to meet him at Syracuse University during his time working with the women’s basketball team, and it didn’t take long to see the kind of person he is. Adeniyi is a tremendous teacher of the game and is widely regarded as the best recruiter in college basketball. He truly cares about developing student-athletes both on and off the court. He’s a tremendous leader, and I know Aggie Nation and our student-athletes are going to love him,” Fields said. 

Coming from a background of both coaching and playing experience, Amadou served on coaching staff at Syracuse University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Dayton, Ohio. Amadou brings more than 15 years of NCAA Division coaching experience to NMSU. 

“[Amadou is] one of the premier recruiters and skill developers of post-players in the country,” Syracuse University’s women’s basketball website said.  

Amadou is leaving his present coaching location at the University of Rhode Island after completing seven seasons there, taking with him an upcoming NCAA tournament run and three Atlantic 10 championship titles. He also helped lead the team to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1996 and appeared in two Women’s National Invitation Tournaments (WNIT).

Amadou, born in Paris, France, began his collegiate basketball career at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, before transferring to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and becoming the top offensive rebounder for the team. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science.

“This opportunity is deeply aligned with my values, my passion for developing student-athletes, and my belief in what a strong culture can build over time. I’m excited to join the Aggie community and to build the program defined by hard work and discipline, relationships, and the constant pursuit of improvement,” Amadou said in a press release.