Southwestern Michigan College announced today that Ariana Dampier will join the athletic department as Head Coach, Women’s Basketball.

SMC’s new fulltime head coach earned an associate degree in psychology in 2017 from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Ill.  In 2020, she completed a bachelor’s in psychology from Governors State University in University Park.

Dampier began coaching in 2020 as a women’s basketball assistant at Morton College, helping the nationally-ranked team win the Region IV championship and make the program’s first NJCAA National Tournament appearance.

After one season, she had the opportunity to take the reins of the Prairie State Pioneers in 2021, where she rebuilt the struggling program for two years.

For the last two seasons, Dampier has been the assistant varsity coach and head coach of the junior varsity team at Governors State. In 2024-25, the Jaguars won the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference and reached the NAIA Tournament Elite Eight for the first time in school history. 

“I am excited to welcome Coach Dampier as our next Women’s Basketball Head Coach,” said Athletic Director Rodell Davis Sr. “From our very first conversation, her basketball knowledge and vision for the program were immediately clear. What impressed me most is her holistic approach — she’s committed not only to developing strong athletes and building a winning culture but also to being a mentor who genuinely cares about our players’ well-being. Coach Dampier understands the importance of mental health and is passionate about supporting our student-athletes both on and off the court.

I look forward to the future of our program under her leadership.”

“I’m truly thankful for this opportunity to lead the Roadrunners as Head Coach at Southwestern Michigan College.” Dampier said. “I’m committed to building a culture of excellence, growth and relentless effort — on and off the court. The goal isn’t just to win games, but to shape young women and help them rise in every aspect of life. I’m excited to build something special with the support of this amazing community behind us. Can’t wait to get to work!”

Dampier takes over the helm of the Roadrunners from Coach Jay Jenkins, who left SMC earlier this month after two seasons to pursue other coaching opportunities at the university level.