BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama A&M University head women's basketball coach Dawn Thornton is among the recipients to receive this year's distinguished award by the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the SWAC Game ChangeHer Awards Committee.
 
Thornton, who will be recognized for her leadership, excellence, and impact exemplify the true sports of a Game ChangHer, will be honored during the SWAC Game ChangHer Awards Brunch on Thursday, March 12 in Atlanta, Ga.
 
In her second year at Alabama A&M, Thornton has led the women's basketball team to a program-best 14-game winning streak and in position to win the SWAC regular season crown for the first time in school history. With three games remaining, Thornton's team could reach 20 wins for the just the sixth time in program history and the first time to win 20-plus games in back-to-back seasons during the NCAA Division I era.
 
While at AAMU, Thornton is 39-20 overall and 28-5 in SWAC play. In addition, last season the program finished second in the regular season and reached the WNIT for the first time in program history. In addition, Thornton has surpassed the 100-win plateau in conference play, amassing a 102-93 record in the SWAC. 
 
The 2026 SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament will be held March 9-14 at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta.
 
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