Chelsea Dungee-Artberry, a former WNBA standout and collegiate All-American, has joined the University of Alabama women’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. This move marks a significant step in her coaching career, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for the game to the Crimson Tide program.
Dungee’s basketball journey began in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where she emerged as a high school phenom. Her exceptional talent earned her the Gatorade State Player of the Year award in 2014. She started her collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, earning Big 12 All-Freshman honors in the 2016–17 season. Seeking new challenges, she transferred to the University of Arkansas, where she sat out the 2017–18 season due to NCAA transfer rules. At Arkansas, Dungee flourished, becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,147 points. Her senior season was particularly remarkable, averaging 22.3 points per game and earning multiple All-American honors, including selections by the WBCA, AP, and USBWA. She also led the Razorbacks to significant victories, including a standout 37-point performance against UConn.
In the 2021 WNBA Draft, Dungee was selected fifth overall by the Dallas Wings, making her one of the highest picks in the draft. She appeared in 14 games during her rookie season, gaining valuable experience at the professional level. Following her time in the WNBA, Dungee transitioned into coaching, joining the staff at Troy University in 2022. During her tenure at Troy, she played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them achieve a 22-12 record and a historic run to the WNIT Fab 4. Her focus on guard development and offensive strategies contributed to the team’s achievements, including a league-high three all-conference selections.
Dungee’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in her experiences as a player. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, stating, “What was poured into me, I pour back into our girls.” Her dedication to developing players both on and off the court aligns with Alabama’s commitment to excellence in women’s basketball.
As she joins the Alabama coaching staff, Dungee brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse experiences at the collegiate and professional levels. Her ability to connect with players, combined with her strategic understanding of the game, positions her as a valuable asset to the program. The Crimson Tide anticipates that her influence will enhance player development, recruitment, and overall team performance.
In her new role, Dungee aims to contribute to Alabama’s pursuit of success in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference. Her journey from a standout player to a dedicated coach exemplifies her passion for basketball and her commitment to fostering growth in the next generation of athletes. With her addition to the staff, Alabama women’s basketball is poised to build upon its foundation and achieve new heights in the seasons to come.