SMU women’s basketball adds Amy Pryor as assistant coach, giving Adia Barnes a Texas-connected recruiter and player development voice for 2026-27.
SMU women’s basketball adds Amy Pryor as assistant coach, giving Adia Barnes a Texas-connected recruiter and player development voice for 2026-27.
SMU women’s basketball made another important offseason move Thursday, adding Amy Pryor to Adia Barnes’ coaching staff ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The hire gives the Mustangs a coach with experience in player development, recruiting, operations, and program building, all valuable traits as Barnes continues shaping SMU’s future on the Hilltop.
In announcing the move, Barnes made it clear why Pryor stood out. “We are thrilled to add Amy to our staff,” Barnes said.
“She has an incredible work ethic and a track record of success at every level. Amy brings valuable experience both on and off the court that will greatly benefit our student-athletes and our program. I appreciate her deep roots in Texas and in this region, and I know she's ready to help us elevate the SMU community.”
That regional connection matters, especially in a recruiting-heavy sport where relationships can make a difference. Pryor arrives at SMU after serving as director of operations at Mississippi State, where she helped the Bulldogs post an 18-13 record last season.
Before that, she worked as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at George Washington, where freshman Gabby Reynolds emerged as an Atlantic-10 All-Rookie Team selection after averaging 10.5 points per game.
Pryor has also logged time at Eastern Michigan, West Mesquite High School, Eastern New Mexico, and Northern Oklahoma College, building a resume that touches nearly every part of a basketball program.
She’s coached, recruited, handled operations, supported academics, and worked in player development.
Pryor said Barnes’ vision for SMU made the opportunity an easy one to embrace. “I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Coach Adia Barnes, her staff and the SMU Women's Basketball program,” Pryor said.
“Her passion for the game and commitment to building something special really stood out to me. They have built a culture of toughness, accountability and excellence to that vision. I look forward to helping develop our student-athletes both on and off the court.”
For SMU, this looks like more than just a staff addition. It looks like another step in building something sustainable.
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