FAMU expected to name MTSU's Pillow as head women's basketball coach

FAMU officials are expected to introduce Middle Tennessee State University assistant basketball coach Shalon Pillow, as the next head women's basketball coach, in the near future.  Pillow, a native of Addyston, OH,  has been on the MTSU staff for six years and has been instrumental in helping to lead the Blue Raiders to five straight postseason appearances. 

Prior to joining MTSU’s staff, Pillow spent five years at the University of Kentucky where she helped lead the team to five NCAA Tournament appearances and three Elite Eight appearances.

Pillow also spent one season as an assistant coach at Hofstra University in Long Island, N.Y., and three seasons at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla.

The 6-foot-3 Pillows, player her college ball at the University of Tennessee (1998-2002) where she played center, and was a four-year letter winner (under legendary coach Pat Summitt. She played in 108 career games and helped the Lady Vols advance to four NCAA Tournaments, including two Final Four appearances. She graduated from UT in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in general psychology and a minor in communications.

Following graduation, she played for the Tennessee Fury of the National Women’s Basketball League during its inaugural season, and appeared in 20 games.

Her current salary at MTSU is $75,000.  Kevin Lynum, who served as head coach of the Lady Rattlers last year was paid $75,000, which is about $21,634 less than what Ledawn Gibson (whom he replaced) made.