Denmark Technical College announced changes in their basketball coaching leadership.
Andre Payne, who also serves as athletic director at the college and has been the head coach of the men’s basketball team since 2020, will become head coach of the women’s basketball team.
“I’m looking forward to taking the lead of the women’s basketball team. We have an outstanding group of young talent and, with a new focused energy, they are poised to be top contenders in the NJCAA Division 10 region,” said Payne.
Payne has a long history of successful coaching at the collegiate level, beginning in 1999 when he became the assistant men’s basketball coach and later men’s head basketball coach at Texas College.
Payne previously served as head basketball coach at Mississippi State Valley University and director of athletics and head men’s basketball coach at Wiley College. He was listed among the NAIA’s Top 25 active wins leaders at the end of his tenure at Wiley.
Patrick Scipio, who has been serving as the assistant men’s basketball coach, will be stepping up into the role of head men’s basketball coach.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to take my coaching career to the next level. I have learned so much in the assistant coach role and I’m ready to continue making an impact on the program as head coach.” said Scipio. “I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Todd and Coach Payne for offering me this opportunity.”
“Coach Scipio has proven himself time and time again. His ability to connect with players is impressive and he will continue to be an amazing mentor to the team as he takes on this lead role,” added Payne.
Scipio previously coached at the Spartans Basketball Academy in Trinidad and Tobago and served as assistant men’s basketball coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The announced changes in the basketball coaching leadership will take effect immediately.
“We are thrilled that Coach Payne and Coach Scipio are stepping into these new roles in our basketball program,” Willie L. Todd, Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College, said. “We have a passionate fan base, an immense amount of raw talent and are committed to continuing to build an excellent basketball program. Both of these coaches have the vision, energy and skills needed to elevate our teams to championship levels.”
