The McAlester Public Schools Board of Education approved the hiring of Lou Dawkins as the new head coach of the MHS Boys Varsity Basketball program. “We are thrilled to welcome Lou Dawkins to the McAlester family as the new head coach for our varsity basketball program,” said Dr. Robert Steeber, Superintendent of McAlester Public Schools. “His extensive coaching experience, leadership qualities, and dedication to developing young athletes will be invaluable as we continue to build on the success of our basketball program.”
In addition to his experience as a coach, Dawkins has a strong background in youth sports. Since 2019, he has led the Rougher Youth Sports Academy in Muskogee, a developmental program designed to engage and cultivate elementary-age athletes in various sports. His leadership has positively impacted the youth athletic community within the district.
“We are excited to have Coach Dawkins join our athletic department,” said James Singleton, MPS Athletic Director. “His track record of success at the high school and collegiate levels speaks for itself. His passion for coaching and developing young athletes is exactly what we were looking for in a leader for our basketball program. We look forward to seeing the impact he will make on our students and our community.”
A former standout at the University of Tulsa, Dawkins played a pivotal role in the team’s success during the 1994 NCAA tournament, including hitting a crucial corner 3-pointer to propel TU past Oklahoma State into the Sweet Sixteen. He is ranked among the top 10 in school history in assists (339) and steals (176).
Dawkins also has an extensive high school coaching background, having spent 13 years at Saginaw High School in Michigan, where he was the head coach for seven seasons, compiling an impressive 149-28 record and leading the team to two state championships. One of his players at Saginaw, Draymond Green, went on to play in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors. Dawkins also spent six years as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois and two years at Cleveland State.
Coach Dawkins most recently served as the head boys basketball coach at Muskogee High School for two seasons. During his tenure, Dawkins helped elevate the team’s performance, fostering a culture of hard work, discipline, and team unity.
A Meet the Coach event will be held on Tuesday, April 15th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Downtown 312, where community members can come meet Coach Dawkins and hear about his vision for the future of the basketball program. Coach Dawkins will have a basketball parent meeting Wednesday, April 16th at 6:00pm at the McAlester Activity Center.
