NORFOLK, Va. – One of the most influential and respected figures in the history of the Spartan women’s basketball program, Larry Vickers will depart Norfolk State after accepting the head coaching position at Auburn University.
“Larry embraced the challenge of rebuilding the Norfolk State women’s basketball program, taking over a struggling team looking for a turnaround,” NSU Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb said. “Over the past 10 years he has defied expectations at every step, constructing one of the greatest dynasties that any HBCU has ever seen. He elevated our women’s basketball program to unprecedented heights, molding Norfolk State into the gold standard for success in the sport.”
“From player to coach, Larry has represented Norfolk State’s core values for over two decades and become a tremendous figure in the Spartan community. I have no doubt that he will thrive in the next stage of his coaching career, and we wish him nothing but the best for the future. I am confident that our program’s next leader will continue to build the winning culture that Larry has cultivated here at Norfolk State.”
Vickers spent 10 overall and nine full seasons as the head coach of the NSU women’s basketball team, producing a 177-99 record with a 97-41 mark in MEAC play. He earned MEAC Coach of the Year honors on three occasions, leading Norfolk State to three consecutive MEAC Tournament titles (2023, 2024, 2025) and four consecutive regular season championships (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025).
Norfolk State cracked the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll for the first time in program history on Nov. 30, 2022. Just a few years later, the Spartans now rank No. 4 out of all mid-major programs.
NSU went 14-0 in the MEAC this season, becoming just the eighth team in the conference’s history to run the table during league play. The Spartans also made a mark in the nonconference slate, taking down two SEC opponents (Missouri and Auburn).
Prior to taking over the women’s program, Vickers spent eight seasons as an assistant coach with the men’s basketball program. He served the last three as the associate head coach.
Vickers’ inspirational story began as a player at Norfolk State, walking onto the men’s basketball team’s roster in the 2004-05 season. He quickly earned playing time and was a noted defensive player during his career with the Spartans.
Norfolk State has begun an immediate national search for the women’s basketball program’s next head coach.
Source: Norfolk State Athletics/nsuspartans.com
