Head Women’s Basketball Coach | Lincoln University (Pa.)
Paul Davis has quickly established himself as one of the rising coaches in NCAA Division II women’s basketball, building a national reputation for transforming programs, developing championship-caliber talent, and implementing one of the country’s most disruptive styles of play. Recognized for his relentless “Controlled Chaos” philosophy, Davis has built teams that pressure relentlessly, force turnovers at a historic rate, and play with one of the fastest tempos in college basketball.
On June 15, 2026, Davis was named the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Lincoln University (Pa.), becoming the 11th head coach in program history after a highly successful five-year run at Bluefield State University.
Building a National Identity at Bluefield State (2021–2026)
When Davis accepted the Bluefield State position in 2021, he inherited one of the nation’s youngest rosters, returning only three veteran players while welcoming twelve freshmen. Charged with transitioning the institution into a full NCAA Division II competitive schedule, Davis immediately established a culture centered on accountability, player development, academic success, and an exciting brand of basketball.
Even during the rebuilding process, Bluefield State produced five conference award winners in Davis’ inaugural season, including USCAA Second Team All-American Alexus Tucker, while Autumn Spangler and Katrina Davis earned All-Academic honors. Azariah Binford and Londen Coleman were also recognized as USCAA Honorable Mention All-Americans.
The program’s breakthrough arrived during Davis’ second season.
Bluefield State doubled its win total while producing the best start in NCAA program history at 5-0. Along the way, the Big Blue defeated Edinboro University for the first PSAC victory in school history, earned the program’s first win over Concord University since 2015, defeated its first CIAA opponent since 2015, and captured its first victory over West Liberty University since 1998.
Under Davis’ leadership, Bluefield State shattered numerous school records, including:
· Most points scored in a game (113)
· Most three-pointers made (18)
· Most steals (27)
· Most forced turnovers (42)
· Tied school record for assists (30)
The Big Blue finished as the No. 2 seed in the USCAA National Tournament, marking Davis’ first postseason appearance as a collegiate head coach.
His player development quickly became one of the program’s defining strengths. Aerihna Afoa developed into a USCAA All-American and All-Tournament performer while finishing among the nation’s leaders in free throw percentage. Dani Janutolo became the school’s all-time steals leader, while Azariah Binford emerged as one of the conference’s premier point guards.
Transforming Bluefield State into a CIAA Contender
As Bluefield State entered the CIAA, Davis immediately elevated the program into one of the league’s most respected competitors.
Despite being picked to finish last during its inaugural CIAA season, the Big Blue exceeded expectations by finishing sixth after an eight-game winning streak to start the season highlighted by arguably the signature victory of Davis’ tenure—a win over nationally ranked No. 18 Virginia State University.
Bluefield State advanced to the CIAA Tournament Quarterfinals during its first season in the conference while Alexyss Newman earned All-CIAA honors.
That postseason appearance became the beginning of sustained success.
National Leader in Defensive Pressure
Over the next two seasons, Davis transformed Bluefield State into one of the nation’s premier defensive programs.
His “Controlled Chaos” system produced back-to-back NCAA statistical championships in turnovers forced.
2024-25
· Led the nation in turnovers forced (28.57 per game)
· Led the CIAA in shot attempts
· Led the CIAA in offensive rebounds
· Led the CIAA in three-point attempts
· Led the CIAA in steals
· Led the conference in turnover margin
· Earned the CIAA Sportsmanship Award
· Advanced to the CIAA Quarterfinals
· Developed two All-CIAA selections and one All-Tournament performer
2025-26
· Led the nation again in turnovers forced (33.22 per game)
· Led the CIAA in scoring offense (78.0 PPG)
· Led the conference in shot attempts (70 per game)
· Led the conference in three-point attempts and makes
· Led the conference in steals
· Led the conference in turnover margin
· Advanced to the CIAA Quarterfinals for a third consecutive season
· Defeated perennial national powers Glenville State and the University of Charleston
· Coached Jasmine Jenkins and Shanon Hoover to All-CIAA honors
During the 2025-26 season, Bluefield State set school records with 55 forced turnovers and 35 steals against Mansfield University while also establishing new single-season records for steals and turnovers forced.
Under Davis’ leadership, the Big Blue became nationally recognized for playing one of the fastest and most exciting brands of basketball in Division II. His teams consistently ranked among the national leaders in scoring, possessions, shot attempts, steals, transition offense, and defensive pressure.
More importantly, his teams became known for developing talent.
Throughout his tenure, Davis coached multiple All-Americans, All-Conference performers, All-Tournament selections, Academic All-Conference student-athletes, and award winners while consistently producing one of the nation’s most entertaining styles of play.
Accomplished Playing Career
Before becoming one of Division II’s rising coaching stars, Davis enjoyed one of the most decorated playing careers in Winston-Salem State history.
A native of Clio, South Carolina, Davis starred at Marlboro County High School, earning All-State honors before being selected to compete in the prestigious Carolinas Classic All-Star Game.
At Winston-Salem State University, Davis immediately became one of the CIAA’s premier frontcourt players. He finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in blocked shots with 209, more than doubling the previous record. He also totaled 986 career points and 839 rebounds while ranking seventh all-time in school history in rebounding.
As a senior, Davis led the CIAA in rebounding while earning:
· CIAA Defensive Player of the Year
· First Team All-CIAA
· NABC Second Team All-District
· Mary Garber Male Student-Athlete of the Year
· HBCU All-Star Classic selection
Following graduation, Davis pursued a professional career overseas, competing for six seasons in Lithuania, Australia, Thailand, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Tunisia, and Lebanon.
Coaching Foundation
Davis transitioned into coaching at his alma mater, Winston-Salem State University, before spending one season at Queens University of Charlotte.
During his lone season with the Royals, Queens captured:
· Conference Regular Season Championship
· 31-5 overall record
· NCAA Southeast Regional Championship
· NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance
Following his successful season at Queens University of Charlotte, Davis accepted an assistant coaching position with the women’s basketball program at Livingstone College, where he began building the foundation that would eventually propel him into one of Division II women’s basketball’s rising head coaches.
In his first season coaching women’s basketball, Davis immediately made a significant impact on both individual player development and the overall culture of the program. Under his guidance, Dasia Harris earned All-CIAA honors after finishing second in the conference in scoring, while Adell Allen elevated her perimeter game by improving her three-point shooting percentage from 31 percent to 37 percent. Davis also helped cultivate a championship culture in the classroom, as Livingstone earned the CIAA Team Academic Excellence Award for posting the highest team GPA in the conference.
Across every coaching stop, Davis has helped mentor Conference Players of the Year, Freshmen of the Year, Tournament MVPs, All-Americans, All-Conference performers, and numerous Academic All-Conference student-athletes.
Education
Davis graduated Cum Laude from Winston-Salem State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Recreation while serving as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
He later earned his Master of Science in Sport Management from Western Carolina University in 2021, along with a Project Management Certificate.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Paul Davis has built his reputation on developing student-athletes on and off the court while implementing a relentless, high-octane system built around pace, pressure, and player freedom. His programs consistently emphasize academic achievement, player development, disciplined leadership, and an exciting style of basketball that prepares student-athletes to compete at the highest levels.
With a proven record of rebuilding programs, producing championship-caliber players, winning with an aggressive modern style, and establishing nationally recognized statistical success, Davis continues to emerge as one of the brightest coaching minds in NCAA Division II.
THE COACH DAVIS FILE
Full Name: Paul Kendall Davis
Birthplace: Clio, SC
Education: B.S., Physical Education, Winston-Salem State University
M.S.,Sport Management, Western Carolina University
Certificate in Program Management, Western Carolina University
Paul Davis Coaching Timeline
Assistant Coach | Winston-Salem State University (2)
2016-17 | 2017-18
Assistant Coach | Queens University of Charlotte (1)
2018-19 Assistant Coach | Livingstone College (2)
2018-19 | 2019-20
Head Coach | Bluefield State University (5)
2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26
Paul Davis Head Coaching Record
2021-22 Head Coach | Bluefield State University 5-19
2022-23 Head Coach | Bluefield State University 12-14
2023-24 Head Coach | Bluefield State University 15-12
2024-25 Head Coach | Bluefield State University 11-19
2025-26 Head Coach | Bluefield State University 15-12 Paul Davis Championships 2019 – SAC Regular Season | Queens University of Charlotte 2019 – Southeast Regional | Queens University of Charlotte
Paul Davis Post Season Appearances 2019 – Elite Eight | Queens University of Charlotte 2023 – USCAA | Bluefield State University
2024 – CIAA | Quarterfinals
2025 – CIAA | Quarterfinals
2026 – CIAA | Quarterfinals
