UAPB Women’s Hoops Announces Angelique Francis as Director of Player Personnel

PINE BLUFF, AR – Angelique Francis joined the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball program in the fall of 2023 as Director of Player Personnel. She comes to Pine Bluff after a four-year career as a student-athlete at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a year of professional basketball in Melbourne, Australia.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the women’s basketball program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff under the tremendous leadership of Coach Dawn Thornton,” Francis stated upon her arrival. “I look forward to helping this team raise their level of performance so that we can have great success and win the SWAC championship. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to work with this outstanding group of assistant coaches and the elite student athletes.”

She earned her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary studies. Francis is a prominent advocate for mental health awareness in college athletics. She spoke at the capital three years in a row about mental health for RAAD. She also has experience in entrepreneurship and golf. Francis owns the ALF organization that advocates mental health, and suicide prevention, and 20% of donations go to different organizations around the community.

A native to Dallas, but born in San Antonio, Francis enjoys golfing and educating people on the prominence of mental health and the importance of mental health awareness in all young adults using her many forms of outreach, such as her podcast in her free time.

“Angelique Francis, is going to be an impactful addition to our basketball program, and I am thrilled to add her to our staff!” head coach Dawn Thornton remarked on the addition of Francis. “I have known her for nearly half of her life it seems like, and watching her grow and develop into this beautiful person, was something I knew our young ladies needed. She was an extremely accomplished player who is an advocate for the growth and development of the well-being of our student-athletes. Angelique has a unique and valuable perspective that aligns with the goals of our team and I am excited to see her share her knowledge and mentorship throughout our program.”