Tia Pringle
Tia Pringle
Title: Head Women's Basketball Coach
Phone: (601) 635-6243
Email: tpringle@eccc.edu

Pringle joins East Central after serving as an assistant coach on the Meridian Community College coaching staff for seven years. She brings her recruiting skills and local connections to East Central, having recruited three all-conference players in recent history. Prior to joining MCC, she had her first coaching stint at Plainfield North High School in Plainfield, Illinois, for five years. 

"I am so thankful for this opportunity to step into the head coaching world. I want to thank Mr. Paul Nixon. During my time in the league, we always had great interactions, and I look forward to working with him and the other coaches on a professional level," said Pringle. "I am looking to create a good culture around this program. I want to keep it fun and joyous and get plugged into the community. My goal is to have the ladies come in and grow them not only as athletes but as students."

Along with her coaching duties at MCC, Pringle served as an academic liaison, showing her dedication to improving student-athletes' educational endeavors. Her primary responsibilities included overseeing and maintaining records of NJCAA study hall requirements for student-athletes, supporting students to help them maintain positive enrollment status, and enabling student-athletes to continue receiving financial aid.

Pringle, a native of Meridian and a graduate of Louisiana Tech, has a remarkable personal journey. After a standout high school career, she earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. She played on the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters women's basketball team, competing in over 110 games through four seasons. Pringle furthered her education, earning a master's degree in sports coaching education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a testament to her commitment to the sport and continuous learning. 

Pringle was a member of the Southeast Lauderdale women's basketball team. In her senior season, she helped lead the Lady Tigers to the MSHAA 3A state title and was awarded the 2006 Miss Basketball of Mississippi title.