AAMU Deltas Host Welcome Reception for Coach Dawn Thornton

In a vibrant atmosphere filled with crimson and cream and the resonant chant, “It’s in My Blood, I Cannot Lie, I’ll be a Devastating Diva ‘Till the Day I Die,” the Alabama A&M University Divas joyfully welcomed head women’s basketball coach Dawn Thornton to The Hill. The celebration, held Thursday at the AAMU Event Center, was a testament to the strong community spirit and support among Thornton's sorority sisters.

The AAMU Divas, comprising more than 50 members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., hosted the welcome, chaired by AAMU Registrar Brenda K. Williams (Patton Hall Divas). The event featured a meet-and-greet, photo sessions, and speeches from notable attendees.

Thornton, appointed as AAMU's fifth head women's basketball coach in April, joined in the signature chant upon entering the VIP suite at the Event Center. It was a fitting welcome for Thornton, who goes by “Diva Coach” on social media.

“This is just so heartfelt, so warming to start this new journey with this chapter on campus,” said Thornton. “Everybody has been so supportive. Just to know that I’m not here alone, I have people that will help me along the way as we continue to bring more success and excitement to The Hill, I’m really excited.”

The event saw the presence of Deltas from across the region, including Mrs. Alexis Toney, president of the Huntsville Alumnae Chapter (HAC) of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., which boasts over 500 members.

“I am a transplant and I know how important it is to welcome people in,” said Toney. “We just want to welcome her to the community. If there’s any way we can assist her, we want to be here for her. We would love to have her and would welcome her with open arms.”

Distinguished guests included Alabama State Representative Dr. Laura V. Hall and Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees member Dr. Elizabeth B. Richardson. Richardson emphasized the supportive network awaiting Thornton.

“We want to embrace her and let her know that she is not alone, she’s not moving to this community without a wonderful sisterhood to support her in all of her endeavors,” said Richardson. “Me being a trustee, getting a chance to support her for her arrival here, a winning season, and an awesome sisterhood, we’re really excited to have Coach Thornton here.”

Richardson's daughter, Jaylin C. Martin, a Southern Regional Representative of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., echoed the sentiment of sisterhood. “One of the core values in our sorority is sisterhood, so we definitely want to make sure the new coach feels welcome in the organization and here on the campus.”

Thornton, who hails from a Delta family, expressed how much the support means to her. Her mother, Imelda Brown, and sister, Kidada Brown, are also Deltas. “If you see me, there’s a good chance you’ll see them. We go everywhere together,” Thornton shared.

AAMU Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant highlighted plans to engage the Delta community further. “I told them if we can get them to all buy season tickets, we’re going to put them in a section that’s ironically shaped like a pyramid,” said Bryant. “We want to make sure they have a great experience and they’re going to be with a coach who’s a winning coach, so we’re excited about that.”

Thornton's sister orchestrated a group photo of the Deltas before they settled down for hors d’oeuvres and further mingling.

“I just want all Sorors to come out to support our women in sports,” added Thornton. “There is so much excellence on this campus, and that includes our student athletes. I have two young ladies on the team that are Sorors as well, so I think they’ll love to have that support.”

The warm reception marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter for Coach Thornton and the AAMU women’s basketball team, backed by a dedicated sisterhood committed to fostering success and camaraderie.