Tennessee State University

Donika Sutton was introduced as the head women's volleyball coach at Tennessee State University on January 16, 2017. Sutton is entering her ninth season as the head coach for the Tigers and encompasses over 16 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level.
 
Sutton led the Tigers to an Ohio Valley Conference Volleyball Championship in 2022-23, which marked their first conference crown since 2007, which gave Tennessee State an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
 
Sutton also coached three All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team selections, three OVC All-Conference team selections, two OVC Academic Medal of Honor recipients, and a First Team Academic All-American during the 2022 season.
 
After ending the 2022 season with an OVC Tournament crown, Sutton was recognized as the WeCOACH December Coach of the Month, which honors coaches for their team’s success on the court and the leadership traits exemplified. 
 
Sutton’s innovative coaching style, attention to detail, and ability to build strong relationships with her players were critical factors in the team's success in 2022.
 
Along with her impact as a coach, Sutton is known for her dedication to investing in the overall well-being of her players. She encourages her athletes to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement, community service, and personal growth.
 
Before joining TSU, Sutton served as the head coach at South Carolina State University for both the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2011 Sutton led the Bulldogs to their first winning season in seven years, finishing 17-16 overall and 8-2 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action. Sutton coached the 2011 MEAC Player of the Year, 2012 MEAC Player of the Year, four All-MEAC selections, 10 All-MEAC academic team honorees, and South Carolina State led the NCAA in service aces per set in 2011.
 
Before taking over as head coach at South Carolina State, Sutton served as an assistant coach from 2009-2010 and played a vital role in the Lady Bulldogs securing their second MEAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Sutton’s success has not gone unnoticed, as she was inducted into the South Carolina State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. Sutton mentioned that her most excellent satisfaction throughout her career comes from seeing her players succeed on and off the court.
 
Sutton began her collegiate playing career at Southwest Missouri State-West Plains in 1999. The team ranked third in the National Junior College regular season polls and competed in the National Junior College Championships, finishing 5th overall. She was a first-ever Region Six Championship Team member during her first season.
 
Sutton received her Associate of Arts in General Studies from Panola College, where she competed for her sophomore season. During her junior season, she transferred to Alcorn State University, where she was named a Preseason All-SWAC honoree, All-SWAC honoree, and All-Tournament honoree. In 2002, Sutton was named Newcomer of the Year for Alcorn State, along with a Blocking Award in 2003.  
 
Sutton, a native of Hayti, Missouri, received her Bachelor of Arts in political science.