Bowie State Women’s Basketball Head Coach Shadae Swan Makes Program History

Shadae Swan, head coach of Bowie State University’s women’s basketball team, became the winningest coach in program history when she recorded her 166th win in December 2025, marking a significant milestone for the program and the university. While the achievement reflects years of competitive success, Swan sees the moment as a shared accomplishment shaped by players, staff and the Bowie State community. Her leadership and coaching philosophy align closely with Bowie State’s values of excellence, accountability and the development of student-athletes prepared to lead on and off the court. 

When reflecting on becoming the winningest coach in program history, Swan points not to the numbers but to the people behind the journey. She credits the players who believed in the vision, the coaching staff who worked tirelessly and the administration and broader community that supported the program along the way. For Swan, the milestone represents trust, commitment and collective effort rather than individual recognition. 

Basketball has been part of Swan’s life since early childhood. She recalls receiving her first basketball hoop at the age of two, a moment that sparked a lifelong connection to the game. Over time, basketball became a foundation for personal growth, teaching her discipline, confidence and resilience. Her path toward coaching took shape during her college years, when she recognized the impact that strong mentorship and structure could have on the student-athlete experience. That realization inspired her to pursue coaching as a way to support others in reaching their full potential both academically and athletically. 

Swan’s leadership style has been shaped by influential mentors throughout her career. She credits her high school coach, Jerome Shelton of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, and her AAU coach, Tim Burroughs, for allowing her to play freely while emphasizing team basketball, consistency and daily effort. Their trust in her as a leader on the court helped inform her approach to coaching and continues to guide how she empowers her players today. 

Coaching at Bowie State holds deep meaning for Swan, particularly as part of a historic HBCU with a proud legacy. She views her role as an opportunity to serve something larger than herself while contributing to a culture rooted in community and purpose. Swan believes what makes the program special is its strong sense of belonging and its commitment to developing complete student-athletes who are prepared to succeed beyond the game. Under her leadership, the women's basketball program has shown continuous growth both on and off the court, with consistent increases in team GPA, retention, and graduation rates. Twelve student-athletes from her program have earned Athletic Director’s Honor Roll recognition, eight with four with perfect 4.0 GPAs. 

Motivation and support are central to Swan’s coaching philosophy and closely reflect Bowie State’s focus on student success. She emphasizes building trust, setting clear expectations and leading with consistency. Beyond athletic performance, Swan is intentional about supporting her players academically and personally, holding them accountable while providing guidance that helps them grow as individuals and leaders. 

Throughout her career, Swan has learned that strong relationships are the foundation of successful teams. She believes accountability must be balanced with understanding and support, and that culture plays a critical role in long-term success. When standards are clear and consistently upheld, she says, teams are positioned to thrive. For Swan, leadership is measured by impact, and success is defined by who her players become during and after their time at Bowie State. 

Looking ahead, Swan is energized by the current team’s work ethic and camaraderie. She describes the group as hardworking, supportive and committed to improvement. As the season continues, she is most excited about the team’s growth and the opportunity to build greater consistency, knowing that continued development will translate both on the court and within the broader Bowie State community. 

Through this historic achievement, Coach Shadae Swan’s leadership reflects Bowie State University’s mission to foster excellence, community and student development. Her milestone stands not only as a record in the program’s history but as an example of how values-driven leadership creates lasting impact.