South Bend Native Named NAIA Coach of the Year

Suntana Anderson led Marian University to the national championship this season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes and planes in navy, crimson, and gold, conceptually representing the energy and movement of a women's basketball game.Suntana Anderson's coaching leadership has elevated Marian University's women's basketball program to new heights, capturing the national championship.Indianapolis Today

Suntana Anderson, a South Bend native, has been named NAIA Coach of the Year after leading Marian University's women's basketball team to the national championship. Anderson is a former standout player for Riley High School and served as the program's head coach from 2018-2020 before taking the job at Marian.

Why it matters

This honor recognizes Anderson's coaching excellence and the success of the Marian University women's basketball program, which has now won a national title. As a South Bend native, Anderson's achievement also highlights the talent and potential of local athletes and coaches.

The details

In her second season as head coach for Marian, Anderson led the Knights to a program record 35-2 overall mark and the program's first national title since 2017.

  • Suntana Anderson was named NAIA Coach of the Year on March 30, 2026.

The players

Suntana Anderson

A South Bend native who was named NAIA Coach of the Year after leading Marian University's women's basketball team to the national championship in her second season as head coach.

Marian University

A private Catholic university located in Indianapolis, Indiana, whose women's basketball team won the national championship under the coaching of Suntana Anderson.

Riley High School

The high school in South Bend, Indiana where Suntana Anderson was a standout player in the 2000s, earning two-time NIC Player of the Year honors.

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What they’re saying

“Suntana Anderson's achievement as NAIA Coach of the Year is a testament to her coaching expertise and the hard work of her team. This honor puts Marian University's women's basketball program on the national map.”

— Jackson Neill, Author

What’s next

Suntana Anderson and the Marian University women's basketball team will look to defend their national title next season.

The takeaway

Suntana Anderson's success as NAIA Coach of the Year showcases the talent and potential of South Bend athletes and coaches, inspiring the next generation to pursue their basketball dreams.