Akila Calligan joins the Texas Southern University Women's Basketball program as the Director of Basketball Operations for the 2026–27 season, bringing a diverse background in collegiate athletics, basketball operations, coaching, and sports administration.
Prior to joining the Lady Tigers, Calligan served as the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of St. Thomas Women's Basketball program in Houston, Texas. In this role, she was responsible for coordinating team travel, game scheduling, practice logistics, equipment management, and administrative operations. She also worked closely with the coaching staff on budget management, operational planning, and program development to support the overall success and efficiency of the program.
Calligan's experience extends beyond collegiate athletics, having served as a head girls' basketball coach and assistant track coach at Baytown Junior School in Goose Creek CISD, as well as an assistant coach in volleyball, basketball, and track at Crosby Middle School. Her coaching background has strengthened her passion for student-athlete development, leadership, and creating environments that encourage both athletic and personal growth.
In addition to her basketball experience, Calligan has contributed to several prominent sports organizations and events, including the College Football Playoff Houston Host Committee for the 2024 CFP National Championship, the Houston Rockets, Women of Color Golf, and the Halal Guys Showcase. These experiences provided opportunities to expand her expertise in event operations, sports marketing, community engagement, and organizational leadership.
A proud alumna of Texas Southern University, Calligan earned her Master of Science in Sport Studies and Sport Leadership in December 2024. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Communication from the University of Houston-Downtown, where she graduated magna cum laude.
Calligan is a member of several professional organizations, including Women Leaders in Sports, Women in Sports and Entertainment (WISE), and the National Society of Black Sports Professionals. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
As she begins this new chapter at her alma mater, Calligan looks forward to contributing her leadership, organizational expertise, and passion for women's athletics to help advance the Texas Southern Women's Basketball program.
Calligan shared her vision for the upcoming season:
"Returning to my alma mater in this capacity is both an honor and an opportunity to give back to a university that has played an important role in my professional journey. My goal is to bring excellence, intentionality, and a spirit of service to everything I do. I believe that championship-level programs are built not only on what happens on the court, but also through the preparation, accountability, and commitment that take place behind the scenes. This season, I look forward to supporting our coaches, empowering our student-athletes, and helping create an environment where excellence is the standard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive."
— Akila Calligan, Director of Basketball Operations
