Hollins University

Emilee Dunton serves as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Senior Woman Administrator at Hollins University. Since taking over the program, Dunton has led one of the most significant turnarounds in Hollins women’s basketball history, becoming the winningest coach in program history while elevating the program’s competitiveness within the highly respected Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).

Under Dunton’s leadership, Hollins achieved a historic 2025–26 season, recording a program-best 16 wins and the school’s first winning regular season in the NCAA era. The team also secured one of its highest ODAC finishes in modern history and continued to establish itself as a rising program within the conference. Her leadership has emphasized a championship mindset, culture development, academic success, and a student-athlete experience centered on growth both on and off the court.

Known for her ability to recruit and develop talent, Dunton coached the program’s 2026 ODAC Rookie of the Year, Jacorra “Shug” Russell, while building a roster capable of competing at a high level. Her recruiting efforts have focused on identifying high-character student-athletes who align with Hollins’ values and vision while helping build a nationally respected culture within the program.

Beyond basketball, Dunton serves as Hollins’ Senior Woman Administrator and is actively involved in leadership initiatives supporting women in sport, student-athlete development, and campus collaboration. A former educator and lifelong coach’s kid, she brings a relationship-driven approach to leadership and is passionate about empowering young women to excel in athletics, academics, and life.

Outside of coaching, Dunton enjoys spending time with her family, being a mom to her son Shane, mentoring student-athletes, and continuing to grow the game of women’s basketball.