Director of Athletics, Curtis Campbell, announced the hiring of Tessa Hampton as Roanoke College's Head Women's Basketball Coach on Tuesday.
Hampton makes the move to Roanoke after spending the past four years at Shenandoah University as an assistant.
"We are very excited to have Tessa take over our women's basketball program," said Campbell. "Tessa's experience and success as both a player and coach in the ODAC stood out to us in the interview process and I think it will allow her to hit the ground running with a deep understanding of the conference, its programs, and what it takes to be successful."
Hampton was the assistant coach for the first three years of her time at SU before being promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2025. During those four seasons, she helped guide the Hornets to four consecutive ODAC semifinal appearances and back-to-back ODAC Championship games in 2023 and 2024. Hampton also mentored two WBCA All-Americans, two First Team All-Region, and 11 All-ODAC selections. Additionally, the Emory & Henry alum took part in the NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy and was SU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee leader over the course of her tenure.
"First, I'd like to thank Curtis Campbell for the opportunity to lead the Roanoke College Women's Basketball Program," said Hampton. I am excited about the holistic experience that Roanoke College offers as an institution and I look forward to cultivating a competitive atmosphere that empowers student-athletes to compete at a high level, while also studying in some of the most diverse academic fields. Throughout my playing and coaching experience, I've grown a deep admiration for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. I am honored to be joining a rich history of impactful coaches throughout this league that paved the way for our sport. I am eager to begin connecting with our student-athletes and look forward to a bright future together!"
Prior to joining Shenandoah, Hampton returned to her alma mater as an assistant women's basketball coach during the 2021-2022 season, while also serving as an adjunct professor in the health and human performance department. She helped E&H transition to NCAA Division II this time while serving the athletic department in both the sports information department and with the student-athlete advisory committee.
Hampton served as a graduate assistant coach at DeSales University from 2019 through 2021 as she completed her master's degree in academic leadership and reform. The Bulldogs posted a 32-5 record in those two years, winning a pair of MAC Freedom Championships and advancing to the 2020 NCAA Division III Tournament. She came about that experience after being selected to be a part of the Women's Basketball Association's "So You Want To Be A Coach" program in 2019.
During her playing career, Hampton was a four-year letterwinner for the Emory & Henry from 2015-19. She helped her class to a best-ever 83-27 record with three trips to the ODAC Tournament Semifinals and a berth in the ODAC Championship game in addition to an appearance in the 2018 NCAA Division III Second Round.
Her coaching experience also includes time with AAU programs, on the summer camp circuit, and at the high school level.
Hampton takes over for former head coach Carla Flaherty, who stepped down to pursue other opportunities earlier this summer.
