SMU Hires Adia Barnes as Women’s Basketball Coach

SMU has made a significant move in women’s basketball by hiring Adia Barnes, the former head coach at Arizona. This decision marks a new chapter for the Mustangs as they aim to elevate their program’s competitiveness. In a related development, Arizona guard Paulina Paris is set to transfer to SMU, following Barnes. This transition highlights the growing influence of Barnes in shaping a strong team. Fans and supporters are eager to see how her leadership will impact SMU’s future performance on the court. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting coaching change!

BREAKING: SMU has officially hired Arizona’s Adia Barnes as their next head women’s basketball coach, sources told @On3sports.

Additionally, Arizona guard Paulina Paris has entered the transfer portal and will be following Barnes to SMU, according to sources.… pic.twitter.com/8ljpCSaxBF

— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 5, 2025

BREAKING: SMU has officially hired Arizona’s Adia Barnes as their next head women’s basketball coach, sources told @On3sports.

In an exciting development for women’s college basketball, Southern Methodist University (SMU) has made headlines by hiring Adia Barnes, the former head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, as their new head women’s basketball coach. This strategic move is expected to elevate the program significantly, given Barnes’ impressive track record in building competitive teams. Under her leadership, the Arizona Wildcats reached the NCAA Tournament finals, showcasing her ability to develop talent and create winning strategies. Fans and players alike are buzzing with anticipation about what this change could mean for SMU’s basketball future.

Additionally, Arizona guard Paulina Paris has entered the transfer portal and will be following Barnes to SMU, according to sources.

In another twist to this story, Arizona guard Paulina Paris has entered the transfer portal and is set to join Barnes at SMU. Paris has shown great potential during her time at Arizona, and her transfer adds another layer of excitement to the Mustangs’ upcoming season. The combination of Barnes’ coaching expertise and Paris’ skills on the court could prove to be a game-changer for SMU. Fans are already speculating about how this duo will reshape the team dynamics and contribute to a successful season.

The Impact of Adia Barnes on SMU Women’s Basketball

Adia Barnes is no stranger to success. Her tenure at Arizona not only included a trip to the NCAA finals but also numerous accolades for her coaching style and player development. With her at the helm, SMU can expect a focus on building a strong, cohesive team that emphasizes both skill and teamwork. Barnes is known for her ability to connect with players personally, enhancing their performance while fostering a supportive environment. This coaching philosophy is likely to resonate well with the current roster and attract new talent to the program.

Fans’ Reactions to the Hiring

The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement among SMU fans and the broader college basketball community. Many are optimistic that Barnes’ hiring will not only improve the performance of the women’s basketball team but also increase attendance at games and enhance the overall popularity of the program. Social media platforms are buzzing with positive reactions, with fans expressing their eagerness to see what Barnes will bring to the table. The hashtag #AdiaBarnesSMU is already trending as supporters share their thoughts and expectations for the upcoming season.

The Future of SMU Women’s Basketball

With the addition of Adia Barnes as head coach and Paulina Paris joining the roster, the future of SMU women’s basketball looks bright. The program is poised for growth and success, and the upcoming season will be one to watch. As Barnes implements her strategies and builds her team, expectations are high. The Mustangs could soon become a formidable contender in women’s college basketball. This exciting new chapter for SMU may very well usher in a period of unprecedented success for the program, and fans are eager to be part of this journey.

For more details about this significant change in women’s basketball, check out the original announcement by [Talia Goodman](https://twitter.com/TaliaGoodmanWBB). The excitement is palpable, and everyone is ready to see how this new era unfolds for SMU!