Keitha Adams (born March 27, 1967) is an American basketball coach who has served as the head coach of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners women's basketball team since 2006. She previously held head‑coaching positions at Texas–Pan American (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) and Arkansas State University.
Early life and education
Adams was born in Richland, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University‑Kingsville, where she played collegiate basketball for the Javelinas and earned a bachelor's degree in physical education. She later completed a master's degree in physical education at the same institution.
Coaching career
Arkansas State (1994–1998)
Adams began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Arkansas State University, working under head coach Christy Smith.
Texas–Pan American (2001–2006)
In 2001, Adams was appointed head coach of the Texas–Pan American (UTPA) women's basketball program. During her five‑year tenure, she led the team to its first Southland Conference regular‑season championship (2004) and its first appearance in the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in 2005.
UTEP (2006–present)
Adams took over the UTEP Miners women's basketball program in 2006. Under her leadership, the Miners have achieved multiple conference tournament titles and NCAA tournament berths, including:
- Conference USA regular‑season championship (2011)
- Conference USA tournament championships (2012, 2021)
- NCAA Tournament appearances (2012, 2021)
Adams has been recognized with several coaching honors, such as the Conference USA Coach of the Year award (2011, 2021). She is noted for her emphasis on academic achievement, with her teams regularly posting high graduation rates.
Personal life
Keitha Adams is married to her husband, Mark Adams, and they have two children. She is actively involved in community outreach programs in the El Paso area, promoting youth sports and education.
Legacy and impact
Adams is regarded as one of the longest‑serving and most successful women's basketball coaches in the western Texas region. Her contributions have helped elevate the profile of women's collegiate basketball at UTEP and in Conference USA.
