Teresa Lawrence-Phillips ’76

Teresa Lawrence-Phillips ’76 is a trailblazer and icon in the world of sports, best known as a mother and leader. In April 2002, she became the head of Tennessee State University Athletics, where she led the program to new heights, including launching the athletics department’s first website, increasing sponsorships, and securing the NCAA Pilot Grant. Under her leadership, TSU saw improvements to its athletic facilities, championship titles in multiple sports, and a return to on-campus football games.

As the first woman to coach an NCAA Division I men's basketball team, Teresa has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports by Sports Illustrated in 2023 and "Second Most Influential Woman in Sports" by The Tennessean. Teresa's career also includes a legendary tenure as head coach of the TSU Lady Tigers, leading them to their first NCAA tournament appearance, being named USA Today National Coach of the Year in 1990, and guiding the team to multiple tournament championships.

Before TSU, Teresa coached at Fisk University, where she won two WIAC championships. She also had coaching stints with Vanderbilt University and has served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball and the U.S. Olympic Festival.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University and TSU, Teresa is a proud member of several prestigious halls of fame, including the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame and the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame. She has earned multiple awards throughout her career, including the Betty Probasco Lifetime Achievement Award and the TSU Woman of Merit honor.

Outside of athletics, Teresa has served on numerous boards and committees, including the NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Committee and the Vanderbilt Alumni Advisory Board. Her dedication to community service and leadership has earned her recognition, but above all, she is most proud of being a mother to her sons, Micah and NFL veteran Kyle Phillips.