INDIANAPOLIS - The University of Indianapolis and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Kim Pate announced Ross James as the next head coach of the UIndy women's basketball program on Wednesday. Coming from The University of Tennessee Southern, James brings a wealth of experience across many levels to the Circle City.

James spent the previous two years as the head coach at NAIA Tennessee Southern, guiding the Firehawks to an historic season in 2025-26. UT Southern amassed a 23-7 record this past season, earning a spot in the national top 25 for the first time since 2019-20. The team would go on to advance to the Southern States Athletic Conference Championship final and later earn the program's first-ever NAIA National Championship victory. 

"I'm incredibly thankful, honored, and humbled to be named the Head Coach at UIndy," said James. "A sincere thank you to Kim Pate and the entire hiring committee for their belief and trust in me. This opportunity truly means so much.

"I'm excited to get to work building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and fostering a culture rooted in accountability, toughness, and passion. We'll show up every day ready to compete and give our very best on the court, in the classroom and in the community as UIndy Greyhounds."

James' 2025-26 team garnered multiple SSAC awards including the Newcomer of the Year, three all-conference selections and two all-freshman team inclusions. Two players were also recognized on the SSAC All-Tournament team, and two student-athletes were named to the All-Academic Team.

Prior to UT Southern, James spent four seasons (2017-21) as the head coach at NCAA Division III Mary Baldwin University, turning around a Fighting Squirrels program with a 15-game improvement in year two and a program-record 10 wins in USA South Athletics Conference play. During his tenure, his teams set over 30 program records. He was voted both the USA South Coach of the Year and D3 Hoops South Region Coach of the Year following his remarkable 2018-19 season. His team also garnered the highest GPA in the department during the 2019-20 year.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ross James to our Greyhound family and to lead our women's basketball program into a new era," exclaimed Pate. "He is a proven program builder who understands what it takes to establish and sustain a winning culture. At each of his previous stops, he has elevated programs through a strong commitment to player development, accountability, and recruiting. What stood out throughout our process was not only his success on the court, but his ability to establish a winning culture where student-athletes thrive academically, athletically, and personally.

"We are confident that Ross's leadership, vision, and track record of transforming programs into consistent winners will position our women's basketball program for long-term success."

In between head coaching stints, James made three one-year stops as an NCAA Division I assistant, helping Sacred Heart (2021-22), Utah State (2022-23) and Fordham (2023-24) to successful campaigns–both on and off the court.

James also spent time on staff at Lafayette College and Texas Women's University. He earned a master's degree from TWU and a bachelor's from Millsaps College. James is a native of Dallas, Texas.

 
What they're saying about Coach James…
Candice Leatherwood, Sienna Heights head coach
"Ross is a leader, competitor, and relentless recruiter. I am excited for him to get this opportunity and confident that he will do a great job as the next head coach."

Michael Madrid, Texas A&M-Kingsville head coach
"UIndy has hired a winner! Ross is an exceptional recruiter and will make an immediate impact through the UIndy community. Most importantly, Ross is a culture and program builder. The future is bright for Greyhound women's basketball!!"

Jessica Mannetti, Sacred Heart head coach
"Having worked closely with Ross, I can confidently say that he brings exceptional leadership, experience and passion to building a program. His ability to connect with players, colleagues and his community sets him apart in sustaining a tradition of excellence wherever he is. The University of Indianapolis women's basketball program is not only gaining a talented coach, but a truly outstanding person, and I have no doubt he will make an immediate, meaningful and lasting impact!"

Grahm Smith, Palm Beach Atlantic head coach
"Home run hire for UIndy! Congratulations to UIndy on hiring Ross James to lead their women's basketball program. He is a proven winner and his track record speaks for itself at every program he has led. Ross has consistently demonstrated the ability to build a program, sustain success and lead at a high level. His teams are always competitive and well-prepared. He will work tirelessly to establish a championship mindset on the court, in the classroom, and in the community and there is no doubt he will have UIndy competing for championships very soon. Beyond his success as a coach, Ross is an outstanding person, and I couldn't be happier for him!"