The HBCU Women’s basketball crown feels like it’s in play for more teams now that Tomekia Reed has left Jackson State for UNC Charlotte. The team making the most noise this offseason might be Alabama A&M, an HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama whose recently hired head coach Dawn Thornton has added Shelomi Sanders to her roster and now brings in a talented young assistant from the SEC. Below is the press release announcement on the latest hiring in HBCU women’s basketball, as AAMU hires former Ole Miss player and assistant coach Erika Sisk.
Courtesy of AAMU Sports
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | Alabama A&M University head women’s basketball coach Dawn Thornton welcomed the addition of Erika Sisk on Tuesday as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.
“I have had an opportunity to witness so much talent in Erika Sisk for quite some time,” said Dawn Thornton. “I have great respect for her recruiting efforts and on-court player development. What stands out the most is her tireless work ethic, having most recently been on staff at Ole Miss, who has a run in the NCAA tournament every year, it’s a no brainer that passion and #BIGENERGY will follow Coach Sisk to “The Hill.” We’re excited to welcome Erika to Alabama A&M, and look forward to seeing her immediate impact on our program.”
Sisk comes to AAMU after spending two seasons in Oxford, Miss. at the University of Mississippi.
“First, I want to thank God for placing me here on “The Hill!” I am thrilled and very excited about this opportunity,” Sisk said. “During this transitional process I have been impressed by the commitment, eagerness, and ultimate vision of our women’s basketball program. I have the utmost respect for Coach Thornton and I am humbled by joining her staff and embracing the entire Bulldog Basketball family.”
While at Ole Miss, Sisk was elevated after her first season to serve as the special assistant to the head coach and an assistant coach, where she served a vital role in assisting the Ole Miss Rebels in preparation for games by examining and studying film and utilizing outstanding basketball skill-set as a member of the scout team. In addition, she helped build successful and effective relationships with the parents of student-athletes, ensuring athletes are meeting academic requirements and compliance.
A standout Rebel from 2014-17, Sisk appeared in 94 games, starting in 92. The Oxford, Miss. native, averaged 8.4 points, 3.2 rebounds as well as 3.2 assists per game throughout her three seasons. Her 254 career steals rank fifth all-time in Ole Miss history, grabbing 201 as a Rebel. Sisk became Ole Miss’ 27th 1,000-point scorer in 2016, as she averaged 8.1 points per game as a senior.
Following her time in a Rebel jersey, Sisk headed overseas playing one season in Greece for Team Petrolina AEK. In her lone season in 2018, Sisk led the Cyprus League in scoring with an average of 22.8 points per game as Petrolina reached the second round of the playoffs.
Sisk then returned to Mississippi to run Sisk Select Basketball, traveling around the country and participating in AAU tournaments while providing mentorship and developing players to their full potential. In addition, she was the primary representative for NFL player D.K. Metcalf.
Sisk graduated from Ole Miss in 2016 with a degree in general studies with minors in recreation administration, education, and legal studies. In 2023, Sisk received a Certification in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from the University of Mississippi.