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UTC Women's Assistant Coach Kelly Accepts Head Coaching Job at Kennesaw State
Tianni Kelly leaves Chattanooga after two seasons to take over Kennesaw State's women's basketball program.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:49pm
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University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball assistant coach Tianni Kelly has accepted the position of head coach at Kennesaw State University. Kelly spent the previous four seasons as the head coach at her alma mater, Division II Charleston, where she led the Golden Eagles to three NCAA Division II tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2021 and a Sweet 16 trip the following season.
Why it matters
Kelly's departure is a significant loss for the UTC women's basketball program, which has reached the postseason in each of the last two seasons with Kelly on staff. Her experience as a successful head coach at the Division II level and her strong recruiting ties in the region make her an attractive hire for Kennesaw State as they look to rebuild their program.
The details
During her four seasons as head coach at Charleston, Kelly led the Golden Eagles to an 85-32 record, including a 59-21 mark in Mountain East Conference play. She will now take over a Kennesaw State program that went 10-20 this past season. Former Bradley Central standout TaTianna Stovall just completed her freshman season at Kennesaw State, where she averaged 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
- Kelly spent the prior four seasons as the head coach at her alma mater, Division II Charleston.
- In her four seasons at Charleston, the Golden Eagles went 85-32, including a 59-21 mark in Mountain East Conference play, with three NCAA Division II tournament appearances.
- Kelly joined Deandra Schirmer's staff at UTC two seasons ago.
The players
Tianni Kelly
The new head coach of the Kennesaw State women's basketball program, Kelly spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Deandra Schirmer
The head coach of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball team, whom Kelly served as an assistant under for the past two seasons.
TaTianna Stovall
A former standout at Bradley Central High School, Stovall just completed her freshman season at Kennesaw State, where she averaged 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
What they’re saying
“To be named head coach at Kennesaw State University is the fulfillment of so many prayers that have been prayed. I give all glory to God for this opportunity, without him I would not be in this position.”
— Tianni Kelly, New Kennesaw State Head Coach
What’s next
Kelly will look to quickly rebuild the Kennesaw State program and lead them back to the postseason, building on the success she had at the Division II level and the experience she gained as an assistant at UTC.
The takeaway
Kelly's move to Kennesaw State represents a significant opportunity for the up-and-coming coach to take over her own program and put her stamp on it. Her strong track record of success and recruiting ties in the region make her an intriguing hire as Kennesaw State looks to revive its women's basketball fortunes.
