Bio

Daniel Shugars was named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Lincoln Trail College in 2025, bringing more than 15 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels. Known for his player-first philosophy and emphasis on culture, Shugars has built a reputation as a dedicated mentor and developer of talent on and off the court.

Before joining LTC, Shugars served as Head Boys Basketball Coach at Riverdale High School in Jefferson, Louisiana, and was previously the Basketball Program Director and Varsity Girls Head Coach at The Willow School in New Orleans. He has also held assistant coaching roles at Oglethorpe University, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, and Chamblee Charter High School in Georgia. In addition to his school-year duties, Shugars has worked with elite athletes through summer camps at Georgia Tech, Breakthrough Basketball, and Georgia Perimeter College.

Over the course of his career, he has helped more than 20 student-athletes earn scholarships to play at the NCAA Division I, II, III, and JUCO levels.

Shugars earned a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management from Ashford University. He was a two-year letterman at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he played collegiate basketball.

As head coach of the Lady Statesmen, Shugars emphasizes accountability, fundamentals, and a team-first mentality. He prioritizes the development of the whole student-athlete, encouraging academic success, personal growth, and competitive excellence.