West Virginia State University introduced Whitney Bays as its new head women's basketball coach on June 23, 2025. Bays arrives with a proven track record of building winning programs, developing elite talent, and prioritizing academic excellence throughout her career.
Bays most recently served as assistant coach at Memphis University (2023–2025), where she oversaw the development of both post players and guards, managed recruiting strategies, and collaborated with staff on in-game tactics. Her responsibilities included creating film breakdowns, directing individual workouts, and monitoring the academic progress of student-athletes. During her tenure, she coached standout players such as American Athletic Conference All-Newcomer Team selection Alashia Smith, NCAA Top 5 Shooting Guard and AAC 1st Team All-Conference honoree Tilly Boler, and AAC 2nd Team All-Conference and AAC All-Defensive Team selection Alasia Smith. She also guided Tomya Smith, an AAC All-Freshman Team member and three-time AAC Freshman of the Week, contributing to the overall growth of the program's roster.
Prior to Memphis, Bays was assistant coach at Gardner-Webb University (2022–2023), where she implemented game plans, conducted film sessions, and led player development while supporting academic monitoring. Her work helped the team achieve historic success, including a Big South Championship, an undefeated 21–0 conference record (a first in school history), and an NCAA Tournament appearance—the program's first since 2010. The team posted a 29–5 overall record and a perfect 13–0 home court mark, setting multiple program milestones. Bays coached four All-Conference selections, including the Big South Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, while collaborating with Big South Coach of the Year Alex Simmons to build a cohesive, high-achieving team.
Before her collegiate roles, Bays spent three years as assistant coach at Huntington High School (2019–2022). There, she implemented offensive and defensive strategies, introduced scouting reports to players, and designed individualized workouts to enhance skills. She also connected with coaches to secure Division II offers for two athletes and prioritized academic accountability, meeting with teachers and organizing post-practice study halls to support classroom success. Her efforts helped Huntington win Class 4A State Championships in 2020 and 2021, becoming the first program in school history to claim back-to-back titles. The team finished the 2021 season with a 24–1 record, claimed the Mountain State Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship, and developed standout talent like MSAC Player of the Year and West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year Dionna Gray. In 2020–2021, she contributed to a 16–1 record, the best in school history, and the program's first Class AAAA state title.
Bays' playing career further underscores her expertise. A two-time Gatorade West Virginia Player of the Year (2008–2009) at Huntington High School, she averaged 24.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game as a senior and led her team to three state finals appearances. At Purdue University (2012–2015), she earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors and set school records for rebounds in a season (304) and consecutive double-doubles (nine). As a senior, she averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, ranking among the Big Ten's elite in rebounding and scoring. She also played professionally across five countries, including Puerto Rico, where she won a league championship and was named League MVP.
Bays holds a degree in Sociology and Business from Purdue University (2015) and has consistently emphasized balancing athletic excellence with academic growth throughout her career.
"Whitney Bays is a proven leader who has consistently elevated programs at every level, from high school state championships to NCAA Tournament success," said
Sean McAndrews, Interim Athletic Director at WVSU. "Her ability to develop elite talent, like AAC All-Conference players and Big South All-Stars, while maintaining a relentless focus on academic accountability, makes her the perfect fit for our mission. Whitney's championship mindset, both as a player and coach, combined with her deep ties to West Virginia basketball, will ignite our program and inspire our student-athletes to compete at the highest level in the Mountain East Conference."
"I'm incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head women's basketball coach at WV State University," Bays said. "This university has a strong historical foundation, and I'm excited to build on that tradition. My vision is to develop champions on the court, in the classroom, and in life. I look forward to connecting with our student-athletes, faculty and staff, alumni, and community. It's good to be home. Go State!"
