Vanessa Blair-Lewis served as the head coach of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats women’s basketball team for the 2018–19 season, a year that marked both a new chapter for the program and an ambitious season under her leadership. Blair-Lewis, who had a long and successful career in coaching, brought a wealth of experience and a strong vision to the Wildcats. Under her guidance, the team faced challenges, but Blair-Lewis worked tirelessly to elevate the program, aiming to leave it in a better position for future success. While her tenure was brief, she laid the groundwork for the growth of the women’s basketball program at Bethune-Cookman.
Blair-Lewis’ coaching career spanned multiple institutions before she arrived at Bethune-Cookman, where she made an immediate impact with her coaching philosophy focused on discipline, teamwork, and player development. In her one season as head coach, she was tasked with rebuilding the Wildcats’ program, striving to make them more competitive in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Her leadership, coupled with her deep knowledge of the game, gave the players an invaluable learning experience, even though the team had a tough season. Blair-Lewis’ ability to inspire and mentor the young athletes was one of her strongest traits, and she remained a respected figure in the college basketball community long after her departure.
Chandler McCabe, who served as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator under Blair-Lewis for seven seasons, was another key figure in the development of the Wildcats’ women’s basketball team. McCabe, known for her recruiting acumen and ability to spot talented players, played an instrumental role in shaping the team’s roster. During her time alongside Blair-Lewis, McCabe helped bring in key recruits who would shape the future of the program, including athletes who contributed to both the Wildcats’ on-court success and the culture of the team.
In March 2024, McCabe was named head coach at Robert Morris University, marking a significant step in her career. After nearly a decade of working as an assistant coach, McCabe’s promotion to head coach was a well-earned recognition of her dedication and hard work. Her time at Bethune-Cookman allowed her to build solid relationships with players and coaches alike, and her promotion to lead another program was a testament to her growing coaching reputation. Her ability to recruit high-caliber talent, as well as her detailed approach to player development, set her apart as a rising star in the coaching world.
McCabe’s tenure as associate head coach at Bethune-Cookman helped elevate the Wildcats’ program during a time of transition. Her role was pivotal in the recruitment of players who would later contribute to the team’s success, even as the program was in the process of finding its identity. McCabe’s close relationship with Blair-Lewis allowed for a seamless coaching partnership, one that focused on player growth both on and off the court. As a recruiting coordinator, McCabe was particularly adept at finding players who fit the team’s needs and could make an immediate impact.
Following Blair-Lewis’ departure and McCabe’s move to Robert Morris, Janell Crayton Del Rosario took over as the head coach of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats women’s basketball team. Crayton, a former standout player herself, brought a unique perspective to the coaching position. As a two-year captain for her college team, Crayton understood the value of leadership both on and off the court. She was known for her tenacity and strong work ethic as a player, qualities she hoped to instill in her athletes as their head coach.
Crayton had an impressive playing career before transitioning into coaching. She was named to the All-Southern Conference Team and the All-Tournament Team in 2006, which was a significant achievement in her collegiate basketball career. These honors reflected her exceptional skills and leadership abilities on the court, and they helped build her reputation as a player who could make an impact in every aspect of the game. Her experience as a player gave her the insights needed to develop a team philosophy focused on discipline, intensity, and high-level performance.
In addition to her Southern Conference accolades, Crayton was also recognized as one of the top players in North Carolina during her high school years. She was named to the North Carolina All-State team in 2006, further solidifying her status as a player to watch. These achievements laid a strong foundation for her eventual transition into coaching, as her experience as a high-caliber player helped her relate to and mentor her athletes effectively.
As the current head coach of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats women’s basketball team, Crayton is focused on continuing to develop the program and pushing it toward greater heights. She has placed a strong emphasis on player development and team chemistry, striving to create an environment where athletes can succeed both academically and athletically. Crayton’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to connect with her players and help them reach their full potential, drawing on her own experiences as a player to guide her coaching approach.
Under Crayton’s leadership, the Wildcats have seen progress in both their performance and their competitive spirit. She has worked to instill a sense of pride and determination within the team, fostering an environment where hard work is rewarded and accountability is a core value. As a former player who was known for her hustle and determination, Crayton has stressed the importance of these qualities in her athletes, ensuring that they not only improve as basketball players but also grow as individuals.
Crayton’s vision for the program includes creating a strong foundation of success through discipline, hard work, and high expectations. She believes that building a culture of excellence, both on and off the court, will eventually lead to championships and long-term success for the Wildcats. As she continues to lead the team, Crayton remains committed to helping her players develop not just as basketball athletes but as leaders in their communities and future careers.
While Crayton’s tenure as head coach is still in its early stages, she has already made an impact on the program’s trajectory. Her combination of playing experience, coaching knowledge, and commitment to developing young talent positions her as the ideal leader for the Wildcats moving forward. Crayton’s legacy as a player has laid a solid foundation for her career as a coach, and her dedication to Bethune-Cookman’s women’s basketball team promises a bright future for the program.
The transition from Blair-Lewis to McCabe and then to Crayton represents a period of growth and transformation for the Bethune-Cookman women’s basketball program. Each coach has contributed something unique to the team’s development, whether through recruiting, leadership, or their individual playing experiences. As the program continues to evolve, the strong leadership and player-focused philosophy of each coach will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Wildcats’ future success.
Leave a Reply