Daynia La-Force facts for kids
| Playing career | |
|---|---|
| 1991–1995 | Georgetown |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1995–2002 | LIU Brooklyn (asst.) |
| 2002–2005 | St. John's (asst.) |
| 2005–2006 | New Haven |
| 2006–2014 | Northeastern |
| 2014–2019 | Rhode Island |
| 2020–present | Atlanta Dream (asst.) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
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Daynia La-Force is an American women's basketball coach. She has spent over 25 years coaching women's basketball teams in colleges. In 2021, she joined the WNBA's Atlanta Dream as an assistant coach. The WNBA is the top professional women's basketball league in the United States.
La-Force also played college basketball herself at Georgetown University. In May 2014, she became the head coach of the Rhode Island Rams women's basketball team. Before that, she was a head coach at the Division II University of New Haven and Division I Northeastern University. She also worked as an assistant coach at St. John's and LIU Brooklyn.
As an African American woman, Daynia La-Force made history. When she was hired in May 2014, she became the first minority woman head coach at the University of Rhode Island. Her son, Terance Mann, is also a basketball player. He played college basketball for Florida State and now plays for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers.
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Who is Daynia La-Force?
Daynia La-Force is a well-known figure in the world of women's basketball. She has dedicated her career to coaching and helping young athletes grow. Her journey includes playing at a high level and then coaching at various colleges before moving to the professional league.
Her College Playing Days
Daynia La-Force played college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas. She was a player there from 1991 to 1995. Playing college basketball means competing at a high level while also studying for a degree. It's a big step for many young athletes.
Starting Her Coaching Journey
After her playing career, Daynia La-Force began coaching. She started as an assistant coach. This role helps coaches learn the ropes and support the head coach. She worked as an assistant at LIU Brooklyn from 1995 to 2002. Then, she moved to St. John's, where she was an assistant coach from 2002 to 2005.
Becoming a Head Coach
Daynia La-Force got her first head coaching job in 2005. She led the University of New Haven team for one season. This university is part of NCAA Division II, which is a level of college sports.
From 2006 to 2014, she was the head coach at Northeastern University. Northeastern is a NCAA Division I school, which is the highest level of college sports. In 2013, her hard work was recognized when she won the CAA Coach of the Year award. This award goes to the best coach in the conference that year.
In May 2014, La-Force took on a new challenge. She became the head coach for the Rhode Island Rams. This was a special moment because she was the first minority woman to be a head coach in the university's history. She coached the Rams until 2019.
Coaching in the Pros
After many years coaching college teams, Daynia La-Force moved to professional basketball. In 2020, she became an assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream. The Atlanta Dream is a team in the WNBA, the Women's National Basketball Association. This is the top professional league for women's basketball players in the United States.
Her Family Connection to Basketball
Basketball runs in Daynia La-Force's family. Her son, Terance Mann, is also a professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Florida State. Now, he plays in the NBA, the National Basketball Association, for the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA is the top professional men's basketball league.
