DURHAM, N.C. – Head Coach Terrence Baxter has assembled a brand-new coaching staff as North Carolina Central gears up for the 2025-26 women's basketball campaign.

The trio of veteran coach Tim Valentine, NCCU legend Cassie King and former WNBA player Paris Kea will join Baxter on the bench at Eagles' games this season. Anticipation is high that the staff led by Baxter can elevate the program to new heights.

"I believe this is the right staff to lead NCCU women's basketball to long-term success," Baxter said. "We have five commitments in the Class of '26 and that's a direct reflection of the staff and the qualities they bring to NCCU. Our championship staff will assist in our ultimate goals of being champions on the court and leaders in the classroom and community."

Meet the new Eagles coaching staff.

TIM VALENTINE
A seasoned professional in the coaching ranks, Valentine is well-respected among his peers. He has over 20 years of experience in coaching, player development and recruiting. In 2024, Valentine was recognized as one of the 50 Most Impactful Women's Assistant Basketball Coaches in Division I.

Before arriving at NCCU, Valentine served as Associate Head Coach at Alabama A&M (2024-25) and was an assistant at Northeastern (2022-23). He also was Associate Head Coach and recruiting coordinator at Hampton (2014-2020).

Valentine helped guide Northeastern to a share of the CAA regular-season title and helped develop standouts Derin Erogen, an All-CAA First Team selection, and Deja Bristol, the CAA Sixth Man Player of the Year.

During his time at Hampton, Valentine was named MEAC Assistant Coach of the Year in his first season. He helped guide the Pirates to multiple MEAC titles and a berth in the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT).

Valentine has also coached at Georgetown, Elon, Saint Augustine's and Southern Wesleyan. At Georgetown, he mentored Sugar Rodgers, who was the school's all-time scoring leader who went on to play in WNBA.

"Tim brings a wealth of experience and is a proven winner in recruiting," Baxter said. "He will assist in all areas of the program."
 
 
CASSIE KING
King returns to her alma mater where she is a hoops legend.

The Wendell, N.C., native is the school's all-time leading scorer and second-leading rebounder. In 2017, King was inducted into the NCCU Alex M. Rivera Athletic Hall of Fame. She has a banner hanging in rafters of McDougald-McLendon Arena where she will be coaching.

A three-time all-conference player, King led NCCU to its first CIAA championship in 23 years in 2007.

King formerly coached at East Wake High School, her alma mater, for 15 years before elevating to the collegiate coaching ranks.

"Cassie comes back home to help develop our post players and reconnect with the alumni." Baxter said. "She is a proven champion."
 
PARIS KEA
Paris Kea joins the Eagles' women's basketball staff, bringing a wealth of experience from both her professional playing career and collegiate coaching background.

Kea spent the past three seasons at Wake Forest, serving as Video Coordinator and Assistant Director of Basketball Operations. During her first year with the Demon Deacons, the program posted its highest win total (17) since 2015–16 and secured victories over four NCAA Tournament teams, including two Elite Eight squads.

As a player, Kea made her mark at both Vanderbilt and North Carolina, where she earned All-ACC honors and became one of the ACC's top guards. She went on to play professionally with the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty of the WNBA before transitioning into coaching.

"Paris played at UNC Chapel Hill and brings a wealth of knowledge from the WNBA," Baxter said. "She will assist with guard development and offensive production."