| Sydney Moss led the Thomas More Saints to the 2016 NCAA Division III national championship. Photo by Larry Radloff, d3photography.com |
Sydney Moss, who was one of Division III basketball’s most decorated players, will lead a program located a little north of where she won a national championship. Wilmington College named Moss as its next women’s basketball head coach.
“We are thrilled to announce Sydney as our new head women’s basketball coach,” said Senior Director of Athletics Bill Wilson in the College’s release. “She rose to the top of a strong candidate pool during the interview process. She has a strong basketball pedigree and in her short time here at Wilmington College, has built positive relationships not only with the student-athletes, but across campus as well. “
Moss was an assistant under Janel Blankenspoor who stepped down from the head coaching role in April after three seasons as the Quakers’ head coach.
Moss was previously an assistant with her alma mater Thomas More in Northern Kentucky. Moss helped the Saints reach the national championship game for NAIA Division II twice, the latter resulting in the 2022 national championship.
As a player, Moss was one of the most dominant players in Division III basketball history. Moss was a three-time National Player of the Year and led the Saints to a 64-1 record, excluding a 33-0 run to the 2015 national championship that was later vacated. Thomas More’s lone loss during Moss’ tenure came in the 2014 NCAA Tournament Elite 8 when the Saints fell to Whitman after Moss left the game due to injury.
“I am very grateful to represent Wilmington College as the next head women’s basketball coach,” Moss said in the release. “I am thankful to be in NCAA Division III as I whole-heartedly believe in the work-life balance that is offered at this level.”
Moss started her collegiate career at Division I Florida where she was named to the SEC’s All-Freshman team and then transferred to Thomas More. The Saints moved to the NAIA after winning the 2018 NCAA Division III title and now plays in NCAA Division II.
Moss is the fifth current Division III head coach who was named national player of the year. She joins Millikin’s Olivia Lett (2012 POY); Luther’s Amanda (Nechuta) Bailey (2005 WBCA POY); Sage’s Allison Coleman (2004 WBCA POY); and Hardin-Simmons’ Kendra (Anderson) Whitehead (2003 WBCA POY).
Wilmington went 14-12, 8-10 in the OAC last season.