Surina Dixon is an accomplished collegiate basketball coach, former professional basketball player, and athletics administrator with decades of experience developing championship-caliber programs, mentoring student-athletes, and promoting academic excellence.
Currently serving as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Lane College, Dixon has established herself as a respected leader in women's collegiate basketball. Since returning to Lane College for her second tenure as head coach, she has focused on building a competitive program grounded in discipline, accountability, academic achievement, and student-athlete development.
Historic 2025–2026 Season
Under Dixon's leadership, the Lane College Lady Dragons delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history during the 2025–2026 campaign.
The Lady Dragons finished with an impressive 22–6 overall record, securing the first 20-win season in program history. Lane also recorded a 19–5 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) record, establishing a new program benchmark for conference victories.
The team finished second in the SIAC Western Division, just one game behind first place, and advanced to the 2026 SIAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship Game, earning the 2026 SIAC Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship Conference Runner-up honors.The team's success was evident both at home and on the road, compiling an 11–3 home record, a 9–3 road record, and a perfect 2–0 record in neutral-site competitions.
Beyond the victories, Dixon emphasized academic accountability and personal development. The Lady Dragons achieved a reported 3.7 team grade-point average, earning recognition for having one of the strongest academic performances among Lane College's athletic programs.
These accomplishments reflect Dixon's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in competition, in the classroom, and throughout their communities.
Extensive Collegiate Coaching Experience
Dixon has served as an NCAA Division I Head Coach and Assistant Coach in the Sun Belt, American, Mid-Eastern Athletic (MEAC), and Southwestern Athletic Conferences. Before returning to Lane College, Dixon served as an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Cincinnati, contributing to a period of significant program success that included a Women's National Invitation Tournament Elite Eight appearance and an American Athletic Conference Tournament championship game appearance.
Dixon previously spent six seasons as head coach at Jackson State University, where inherited a ninth-place program overall standing and improved the competitive growth and profile of the program to second place with her first three years as one of the top contenders within the conference.
Her head coaching experience also includes the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where her teams earned three consecutive first-round victories in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament. During that tenure, Dixon also emphasized academic achievement, with a reported 99% student-athlete graduation rate.
Her coaching background includes top assistant coaching positions as the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas State University and Texas Southern University.
Before returning to the collegiate ranks, Dixon led Southwind High School in Memphis, Tennessee, to a 67–20 record over three winning seasons with a culminating record of 169-20 record, which includes her stint as a middle school coach.
Her early coaching career also included exceptional success at Germantown Middle School, where her teams captured eight district championships, six county championships, and five undefeated seasons.
Playing Career and Early Coaching Success
Dixon's basketball background extends beyond the collegiate coaching ranks. She previously played and coached professional basketball with the Memphis Blues.
Education, Recognition, and Leadership
A graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, Dixon earned her bachelor's degree and was inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
She also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi.
In February 2026, Dixon received recognition from the Black Coaches Association for her coaching achievements and contributions to women's basketball.
As Lane College's Senior Woman Administrator from 2022 to 2026, Dixon's leadership extends beyond basketball. She contributes to institutional athletics leadership while advocating for student-athlete welfare, equitable opportunities, professional development, and academic success.
Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
Throughout her career, Dixon has demonstrated a commitment to building programs that value both competitive achievement and personal growth. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, preparation, teamwork, accountability, and developing young women into confident leaders.
The historic accomplishments of the 2025–2026 Lady Dragons represent another significant chapter in her coaching career and reinforce her commitment to elevating Lane College Women's Basketball within the SIAC and NCAA Division II.
For Dixon, success extends beyond the scoreboard. It is measured by championships pursued, academic goals achieved, lives positively influenced, and opportunities created for the next generation of women leaders.
