RALEIGH, NC – Wake Tech Athletic Director Robin Pate announced today that Alonzo Lunsford will take over as head coach of the women's basketball program, becoming the fifth head coach in program history.

"Coach Lunsford brings a wealth of experience to the table," Pate said, "and has built strong relationships with our student-athletes and staff at Wake Tech."

Lunsford joined the Wake Tech staff as an assistant coach in 2022, and helped lead a team last year that went 18-12 (15-9 conf.) and reached the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region 10 Division II Tournament.

"First and foremost, I am grateful for this opportunity," Lunsford said. "Our program is headed in the right direction, and I could not be more excited to lead this group. Our goal as a staff is to develop strong young women on and off the court and sustain a winning mentality. We have returning players who are ready to take the next step, and a hungry group of freshmen that will help continue raising the standard."

Before joining the Wake Tech staff as an assistant, Lunsford has also served as an assistant at Fayetteville State (2016-18). He has also served as an assistant coach at St. Paul's College (1992-95) and St. Augustine's University (1995-2001). Lunsford also served as the head coach at Region 10 school Johnston Community College from 2018-22.  

Lunsford's experience extends off the court as well. He is a retired Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. Lunsford is a Purple Heart recipient and is a victim of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. He has channeled his experiences in the Army to be a voice for veterans across the country. From 2011-14, Lunsford coached the Army's wheelchair basketball team.

"With this coaching transition happening so close to the start of the season, Coach Lunsford's leadership experience is incredibly important for our student-athletes," Pate said.

The Eagles begin their season on Friday, November 1 when they take on Albany Tech at the East Georgia State Classic.