Tim Eatman Resigns as South Carolina State Women’s Basketball Coach After Challenging Tenure
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Tim Eatman has officially resigned as head coach of South Carolina State University’s women’s basketball program, ending a tenure marked by formidable challenges and an uphill battle to restore the team’s competitive edge. The announcement comes in the wake of a disappointing 2–28 season that underscored the ongoing struggles of the Bulldogs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Eatman, who was appointed head coach in 2022, inherited a program in disarray and took on the formidable task of rebuilding from the ground up. Despite his efforts to instill discipline, focus, and a long-term development plan, results on the court failed to materialize, leading to one of the most difficult seasons in the team’s recent history.
In a statement released by the university, Eatman expressed gratitude for the opportunity and optimism for the future of the program. “I am thankful to South Carolina State for entrusting me with the leadership of the women’s basketball team,” he said. “While the journey was challenging, I believe the foundation has been laid for future growth. I wish the student-athletes, staff, and the entire SCSU community continued success.”
Athletic Director Keshia Campbell acknowledged Eatman’s commitment and work ethic during his time at the university, stating, “Coach Eatman brought passion and a tireless commitment to our women’s basketball program. Though the results were not what we hoped for, his leadership helped stabilize a team that has faced years of transition. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
South Carolina State’s women’s basketball program has struggled to find sustained success in recent years, undergoing multiple coaching changes and posting consecutive losing seasons. Eatman’s tenure was seen as a potential turning point, given his extensive experience as an assistant and associate head coach at major programs including Rutgers, Syracuse, and Kansas. His ability to recruit and mentor players at a high level was expected to translate into progress for the Bulldogs.
However, the 2024–2025 season proved to be an insurmountable challenge. The team’s two victories came in non-conference play, and they went winless in MEAC competition. Injuries, roster turnover, and the challenge of building team chemistry from a largely inexperienced squad played significant roles in the team’s struggles. Despite the hardships, Eatman was credited for maintaining the team’s morale and emphasizing player development off the court.
As South Carolina State begins the search for a new head coach, questions loom about the future direction of the program. University officials have indicated that the search will be national in scope, with an emphasis on finding a candidate with a proven track record of program building and a commitment to student-athlete success.
In the meantime, assistant coaches are expected to oversee the program’s operations, including offseason workouts and recruiting. The Bulldogs are likely to face continued challenges as they look to rebuild and regain relevance in the MEAC.
Eatman’s departure marks another chapter in South Carolina State’s ongoing journey to restore its women’s basketball program. While his tenure did not yield the results many had hoped for, his efforts may prove instrumental in setting the stage for a brighter future.
The university is expected to announce interim plans and a timeline for the coaching search in the coming weeks.