Lewis University head women’s basketball coach Dodie Dunson II is entering his second season leading the Flyers, where he has quickly positioned the program among the premier teams in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
In his first season at the helm (2025–26), Dunson guided Lewis to an 18-12 overall record and a 13-7 mark in conference play, earning a berth in the GLVC Tournament. The Flyers also produced one of the conference’s longest winning streaks of the season with 10-plus consecutive victories.
Under his leadership, Lewis garnered three All-Conference selections, including First Team and Second Team honorees. Ally Cesarini was named GLVC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to earn the distinction.
Dunson was named head coach on April 24, 2025, by Assistant Vice President of Athletics John Ashaolu following a national search that attracted more than 100 candidates. He became the next leader of the storied Flyers program after serving two seasons as Associate Head Coach at University of Evansville.
With 15 years of collegiate coaching experience across six NCAA Division I programs, Dunson has established a reputation for excellence in recruiting, player development, academic achievement, and postseason success. Throughout his career, he has coached 23 All-Conference selections, two Freshman of the Year honorees, a Defensive Player of the Year, and numerous All-Academic, District, and All-American student-athletes. At multiple institutions, the programs he served achieved record-setting team GPAs, while his players maintained a 100 percent graduation rate.
Dunson’s impact on the game has also been recognized through induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2026 and the Brewster Academy Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
A former collegiate student-athlete, Dunson competed at Iowa State University, Vincennes University, and Bradley University, where he was recognized as a National Academic All-American and a Lowe's Senior CLASS Awardfinalist.
He holds a master’s degree in education and coaching pedagogy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bradley University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and an associate degree from Vincennes University.
Off the court, Dunson has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics. At University of Tulsa, he served as a coach representative on the American Athletic Conference Racial Equality Action Group, and at University of Alabama at Birmingham, he was an active member of Blazers Allies, a group dedicated to fostering inclusive environments.
A passionate mentor and servant leader, Dunson is committed to developing student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally while building a championship culture rooted in accountability, discipline, and service. He and his wife, Tameka Dunson, are deeply grounded in faith, family, and community.
A native of Bloomington, Illinois, Dunson continues to invest in the next generation of leaders through the game of basketball.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DODIE DUNSON II
Ashleen Bracey, Head Basketball Coach at Illinois Chicago
"Dodie is an incredible relationship builder, a passionate skill developer, and a fierce competitor. He has a wealth of experience that will guide him throughout his journey as the Head Coach at Lewis University. His passion for people and commitment to impacting others in a positive way is inspiring to all he encounters!"
Randy Norton, Head Basketball Coach at Alabama Birmingham
"I'm incredibly proud of Dodie Dunson and thrilled to see him take the next step as the head women's basketball coach at Lewis University. Dodie is a tireless worker, a gifted teacher of the game, a tremendous recruiter and a true servant leader. During our time together at UAB, he made a lasting impact on our players with his energy, positivity, and relentless drive to help them grow on and off the court. Lewis is getting a tremendous coach and an even better person."
Lauren Sumski, Head Basketball Coach at Lipscomb
"Coach Dunson is one of the best in the business. He's elevated every program that he's been a part of because he is a man of upstanding character, has a tireless work ethic and he's incredibly knowledgeable about the game. He elevates those programs because he's great at identifying and attracting talented people and players, but it doesn't stop there. He develops them incredibly well. Long story short, he leaves people and programs better than he found him. There is no question he will elevate an already storied Lewis program!"
Robyn Scherr, Head Basketball Coach at Evansville
"Lewis women's basketball is not only gaining a great coach, but an even better human being in Dodie Dunson. Coach Dunson has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career and I am confident he will carry on the successful tradition at Lewis. My life and our Evansville women's basketball program has been enriched by Coach Dunson's energy and care, and I am thrilled for him to begin this next chapter in his career. Players will love playing for him, and the Lewis community will love working alongside him!"
