Manuel Named Head Women's Basketball Coach

Tysia Manuel has been named the new Head Women's Basketball Coach of the Lady Greyhounds in August of 2023. 

"I have been fortunate to learn from so many accomplished people throughout my journey. I am appreciative of those who continuously inspire me and push me to grasp an opportunity such as this; my support system is unmatched," Manuel said. "I am so thankful to those involved in the hiring process who believed in me and my vision to help empower these young women. I am motivated to lead such a great program with the intent to continue the success."

Athletic Director, Jeremy Reece had this to say about the hiring of coach Manuel, "Greyhound Athletics is committed to bringing the best and brightest talent to Mid-South, both student athletes and coaches. I'm convinced Coach Manuel will be the next great head coach for our Lady Greyhounds basketball program. She's played at the highest level, and she's been a part of some extremely successful basketball programs, playing and working under some impressive head coaches at all levels. My measure of a great leader of young people is someone who is committed to preparing their student athletes for life when the ball goes flat, and student athlete development is at Coach Manuel's core. The Lady Greyhounds will continue to win at a high level on the court and in the classroom with Coach Manuel at the helm."

Manuel comes to West Memphis from Claremore, Oklahoma where she served as an Assistant Coach at Rogers State University for the past two seasons. Before Rogers State, Manuel spent two seasons under Jason Burton at Texas A&M-Commerce as an assistant coach for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. During her time in Commerce, Texas she helped guide the Lady Lions to an impressive 42-7 record, with a pair of NCAA Tournament bids. Coach Manuel started her coaching career as an assistant coach at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas for two seasons. Manuel helped guide the Grizzlies to a 49-15 record during her two seasons in Kansas. During her second and final season with the Grizzlies, she helped guide them to the Conference Championship as well as the Region VI Championship, and would eventually make a run to the Sweet 16 in the National Tournament. The Conference and Region VI Championship were both program firsts.

Prior to her time as a coach, Manuel also began her collegiate playing career at Butler Community College, where she played from 2011-2013 under head coach Mike Helmer. During her career as a Grizzly, Manuel played in 59 games, including helping her team to a 26-7 record in her sophomore season, leading the team to the Region VI semifinals. Following her time at Butler, Manuel would then go on to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she would play under head coach Misti Cussen. Manuel appeared in 63 games over her final two seasons, helping ORU to a third-place finish in the Summit League in her Senior season. The Golden Eagles would then advance to the WBI semifinals in postseason play. Manuel would go on to earn her Science Degree in Recreation Administration. 

The Lady Greyhounds will tip their season off at The Dog House against NJCAA D1 opponent, Jones College, November 2 at 5:30.