OSKALOOSA — William Penn University Athletics Director Grant Farris is proud to announce the hiring of DeWitt Mandley as the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
Mandley comes to WPU from fellow NAIA institution Wiley University where he served as head coach for the previous three seasons. While at Wiley, he guided the team to a 43-38 record, including a West division title in 2025-2026 and a runner-up finish in the Historically Black College and Universities Conference Tournament.
“We are excited to welcome DeWitt Mandley to William Penn University as our next Head Women’s Basketball Coach,” Farris said. “Throughout the search process, Coach Mandley emerged as a proven leader with a clear vision for building a successful and sustainable program. His ability to develop student-athletes, foster a strong team culture, and lead with integrity made him an outstanding fit for our department. We are confident that Coach Mandley will make an immediate impact and help position our women’s basketball program for long-term success as we continue to build for the future.”
Mandley coached several players to all-conference recognition, while the team excelled in the classroom as well with a 3.54 team Grade Point Average his last year. He also had 12 conference players of the week, one all-defensive team selection, two all-tournament picks, and one NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Mandley sharpened his coaching skills as an assistant at Langston University (2022-2023) and Redlands CC (2018-2021), while also spending time in The Basketball League with the Enid Outlaws (two stints as associate head coach) and the Frederick Flying Cows (assistant).
A 10-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mandley played for the varsity basketball team, while also walking on at North Carolina A&T University.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the next Head Women’s Basketball Coach at William Penn University,” Mandley said. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Grant Farris and President John Ottosson for their trust, leadership, and this incredible opportunity to guide the Statesmen program. William Penn has a rich tradition of athletic success, and I am excited to build upon that foundation.”
Mandley graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in Recreation Administration.
