Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs Chasing Historic Season

Dawn Thornton's squad eyes back-to-back 21-win seasons, SWAC regular season title

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In her first two seasons as head coach, Dawn Thornton has led the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs to the brink of consecutive 20-win seasons. With two games left, the Lady Bulldogs can clinch the SWAC regular season title and secure the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. If they win both remaining games, they will achieve the program's first-ever back-to-back 21-win seasons, a remarkable milestone for Thornton and the team.

Why it matters

Alabama A&M's potential historic season highlights the growth and success of the Lady Bulldogs' program under Thornton's leadership. Securing the SWAC regular season title and back-to-back 21-win seasons would cement the team's status as a dominant force in the conference and provide momentum heading into the postseason tournament.

The details

The Lady Bulldogs currently hold a 19-9 overall record and a 15-1 mark in SWAC play. They need to win either of their final two games against Grambling State or Southern to clinch the regular season title and the top seed in the SWAC Tournament. Thornton, in her third season, has led the team to a 40-20 record so far, including a 29-5 mark in SWAC play over the past two years.

  • The Lady Bulldogs face Grambling State on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • The Lady Bulldogs face Southern on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Dawn Thornton

Head coach of the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs, in her third season leading the program.

Jaida Belton

Senior forward for the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs, led the team with 12 points and 8 rebounds in the recent win over Alabama State.

Camiyha Griffin

Junior guard for the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs, scored 10 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in the win over Alabama State.

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What they’re saying

“I've never won a regular season championship, so this is very, very special. Not just for A&M, but for Huntsville and my father, who has battled cancer for three years and couldn't be here today. I'm dedicating the whole season to him.”

— Dawn Thornton, Head Coach (SI.com)

What’s next

If the Lady Bulldogs win both of their remaining games, they will clinch the SWAC regular season title and secure the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament in Atlanta.

The takeaway

Alabama A&M's potential historic season under Dawn Thornton's leadership showcases the growth and success of the Lady Bulldogs' program. Securing back-to-back 21-win seasons and the SWAC regular season title would cement the team's status as a dominant force in the conference and provide momentum heading into the postseason tournament.