Niagara University, N.Y. — Niagara University Associate Vice President for Athletics Simon Gray announced today the hiring of Tiara Johnson as the new head coach of the Purple Eagles women's basketball program. Johnson brings more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience, including stops at St. Bonaventure University and Providence College.

"We are excited to welcome Tiara Johnson to Niagara University," Gray said. "Tiara's experience with the current environment of Division I basketball as well as her ability to build relationships across a myriad of constituents has prepared her for this important position. Tiara's leadership will be mission-aligned and her energy and passion for recruiting, development, and success will elevate Purple Eagles basketball."

Johnson arrives at Niagara after serving as Associate Head Coach at St. Bonaventure University, where she helped guide the Bonnies to an 11-win improvement in the 2025-26 season and their first postseason appearance in a decade, advancing to the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

"I am incredibly grateful and humbled for the opportunity to lead the Women's Basketball program at Niagara University," Johnson said, "Thank you to President Maher, the Board of Trustees, Simon Gray, and everyone involved in this process for believing in my vision for this program. I'm excited to build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, alumni, and the Niagara campus and community while creating a culture centered on accountability, toughness, growth, and pride. It is an honor to become part of the Purple Eagle family, and I cannot wait to get to work." 

At St. Bonaventure, in addition to recruiting and player development, Johnson oversaw the program's operational budget, led staff hiring and supervision, and served as the primary contact for marketing, facilities and events. She also represented the program serving on the A-10's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission.

Prior to her return to St. Bonaventure, Johnson spent seven seasons at Providence College, rising to the rank of lead assistant coach. She served as a defensive coordinator for the Friars, whose defense placed among the top four in the Big East Conference for four consecutive years. In her time with the team, the Friars made the WNIT Sweet 16 in 2019, while 13 of her players received Academic All-Conference awards. Johnson was also instrumental in developing players who played professional basketball in Austria, Australia, Turkey, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Euroleague.

Prior to joining the Providence program, Johnson was a part of the St. Bonaventure program for six years where she worked as an assistant coach and director of basketball operations. During her tenure, the program posted two straight 20-win seasons, including one season where the program reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2016 and made the WNIT in 2014. Johnson also developed several All-Conference players during her time at St. Bonaventure.

Johnson received a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Sports Management from St. Bonaventure University. She is an inaugural class member of the WBCA Next Generation Institute (2023) and a graduate of the Brian Stanchak Head Coaching Training Center (2021). Johnson was a three-year member of the women's basketball team at St. Bonaventure and was a member of the 2009 and 2010 WNIT teams. Johnson spent her first two seasons at North Central Missouri College where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025.

What They Are Saying

"Tiara Johnson is a great coach and an incredible human being.  She has been preparing her entire career for this opportunity, and she is an outstanding choice to lead Niagara's Women's Basketball program.  Her drive, passion, and knowledge will move the needle very quickly for Niagara Women's Basketball.  Her genuine personality and positive sprit will have a true impact on the Niagara University Community and on the recruiting trail.  I am so happy for Tiara and for Niagara University." – Jim Crowley St. Bonaventure Head Coach

"There isn't a more deserving coach for this opportunity than Coach Johnson. Tiara has been instrumental in the development and growth of dozens of players over the years. She is a passionate coach and connector at heart. From her playing days to coaching, her pride and commitment to Western New York basketball runs deep. I have no doubt she will bring Niagara back to prominence." – Priscilla Edwards-Lloyd Northeastern Head Coach

"Tiara Johnson is one of the best people I have ever worked with. Niagara nailed it with this hire. Tiara has positively impacted every program she has ever been a part of, winning at the highest levels in our game. She is hard working and incredibly loyal, something that her athletes and co-workers will love about her. Her knowledge for the game and her hunger to get better is contagious. Above all else, Tiara is an exceptional person who cares deeply about treating people the right way. The community will love her, and the program will thrive in WNY." – Kate Achter Western Michigan Head Coach