Niagara University, N.Y. — Niagara University Women's Basketball Head Coach Tiara Johnson announced the hiring of Candice Leatherwood as an assistant coach for the Purple Eagles women's basketball program.
Leatherwood joins Niagara after serving as head coach at Siena Heights University, where she helped the program achieve their second-best winning percentage in school history under her leadership. Leatherwood was responsible for all program operations, including game planning, recruiting, scouting, budgeting, and academic achievement of the players. Recruiting was one of her strengths which enabled her to develop a First Team All-Conference, multiple All-Defensive Team, WHAC Second Team player and 10 WHAC All-Academic Team honorees. In 2025, Leatherwood was also a coach for Michigan Crossover EYBL 17U.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Niagara Women's Basketball program.", Leatherwood said, "I'm excited to work alongside Coach T, the coaching staff, and our student-athletes. Coach T's passion for the game, basketball knowledge, and genuine care for her players are just a few reasons why I'm excited about this opportunity. I'm thrilled to become a member of the Purple Eagle family and I can't wait to get to work."
Before joining Siena Heights, Leatherwood spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut where she was a key figure in the team's court success with consecutive NEC Championships (2023, 2024), 2023 First Four NCAA Tournament win and 2024 First Four NCAA Tournament appearance. With Sacred Heart, Leatherwood played a huge role in scouting, defense, guard play and recruiting and coached many NEC award recipients, including the NEC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year twice along with other NEC First, Second and Third Team players.
Leatherwood started her college coaching career at Siena Heights University as a graduate assistant and head coach for the JV squad between 2019 and 2021, during which time she was instrumental in helping set the all-time school record for most wins in one season, working with a WHAC Player of the Year twice, and fundraising efforts.
"From our very first conversation, I knew Candice was someone I wanted on this staff.", said Johnson, "She has a championship mindset, an incredible eye for recruiting and player development, and a genuine passion for helping young women grow both on and off the court. Candice has consistently been part of winning programs while developing high level talent, but what stood out most to me was the authenticity, energy, and care she brings every day. She's a perfect fit for the culture we're building at Niagara, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the Purple Eagle family."
Leatherwood earned her Master of Business Administration from Siena Heights University in 2021 and her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University in 2019, where she also played.
