Women’s College Basketball
Hampton Hired As Assistant Coach
LAWRENCEVILLE—Hampton in at Rider.
Rider University women’s basketball head coach Lynn Milligan has announced that John Hampton has been hired as an assistant coach, completing her staff for the 2014-15 season.
Hampton comes to Lawrenceville from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, where he spent four seasons as head coach, after two seasons as a graduate assistant.
“We are thrilled to add John to our Rider family,” said Milligan who is beginning her eighth season at Rider. “We were very fortunate to find a coach with his experience, knowledge and passion for the game at this time. He is a high character and hard working coach who will be a tremendous asset to our program.”
“This opportunity is an honor,” said Hampton. “I’m appreciative for the opportunity that Coach Milligan and Rider University has provided. I am committed to working hard as the program continues to grow.”
A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hampton’s basketball bloodlines run deep, with a father who played under college coaching legend John Chaney (Temple University) and a younger sister who played Division I basketball at DePaul University and now plays professionally.
“Basketball runs deep in my heart,” Hampton said. “It is who I am.”
At Clarkson, Hampton led his squad to its most wins in 10 seasons during the 2013-14 campaign.
“I’m grateful to Steve Yianoukos, Clarkson Athletic Director and Laurel Kane, Associate AD/SWA and the Clarkson community for their support and having the opportunity to be a head coach for four seasons,” Hampton added. “That’s where I began my coaching career and I am thankful for their efforts.”
An avid recruiter, Hampton committed 16 student-athletes to his program, with one earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2012-13 and six others attaining all-league recognition.
“I’m committed to recruiting and helping the current players get better as well,” Hampton said. “With Coach Milligan and also Coach (Pam) Durkin as alumni of Rider, they along with Coach (Chloe) Hamilton have a true vested interest in continuing to building the program and I’m excited to be part of that process.”
In 2013, Hampton graduated from NCAA’s selective ACE (Achieving Coaching Excellence) program for Black Coaches and Administrators. Also at Clarkson, Hampton assisted with bi-annual fundraising campaigns, increased alumni support, helped manage an academic support program and assisted as a compliance coordinator.
Hampton graduated from Division II Mansfield University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and he earned his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from SUNY-Potsdam in 2010.
While at Mansfield, Hampton walked on to the men’s basketball team and earned an athletic scholarship. In 2006, he was the Most Improved Player and he was the team Most Valuable Player in 2007 and 2008, earning PSAC All-Conference honors as a senior.
Hampton replaces John Miller who was recently named an assistant coach for the Richmond University Spiders after seven seasons at Rider.
Rider returns nine letterwinners from a squad that reached the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference semifinals for the first time ever after compiling the fifth most wins in program history during the 2013-14 season.
The Broncs open the 2014-15 season in the Preseason WNIT at Seton Hall on November 14 at noon.
“I’m up for the new challenge,” Hampton added. “I know how hard it is to sell a vision and sell what you are building and I know that Coach Milligan and her staff are building something great here at Rider. I’m excited for the new challenge but I’m also anxious to continuing learning and helping the program improve and attain the next level. Coach Milligan and Director of Athletics Don Harnum have afforded me a great opportunity.”
Hampton and his wife Kismet live in the Philadelphia area.
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