James Adams, Men’s Basketball Head Coach
James Adams joins IU Columbus from Wisconsin where he coached high school (Madison East), college (Madison College) and semi-professional (Madison Mavericks) teams. Adams was named 2018 Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year. He also helped send more than 100 players on to the collegiate level, including two who became McDonald’s All-American nominees.
He says that starting this team is an opportunity to do something special in Columbus. “I want to bring exciting basketball to the area,” he says. “My goal is to build a team that the entire community will be proud of because of the players’ hard work and dedication to the game and classroom.”
Dana Dunson, Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Dana Dunson joins the Crimson Pride from Louisiana, bringing 30 years of experience with him. He has served as head coach for men’s and women’s high school varsity teams, as well as head women’s basketball coach at Centenary College of Louisiana. In addition, he coached the Shreveport-Bossier Knights men’s semi-pro ABA basketball team.
Dunson played for Drake University where he was team captain; lead rebounds, blocks and steals; and made first team all-conference. He earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Louisiana State University of Shreveport and his master’s of divinity in theology studies from Missionary Chapel Academy.
“I love the challenge and the opportunity to become a part of a startup program,” Dunson said. “I look forward to helping build the team from scratch, and seeing it grow and become successful.”
Pati Lara, Cheer and Dance Head Coach
Pati Lara joins the Crimson Pride from Texas where she was director, head instructor and choreographer of the Elite Academy of Dance for more than 20 years. Leading multiple successful competitive teams, she excels in coaching ballet, tap, jazz, poms, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater.
Lara began her training at the age of four at the British Ballet and has trained with renowned dancers throughout her career. She graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso, has a Texas Educator Certification, and is a certified member of the Texas Association Teachers of Dancing.
“I look forward to building a new cheer and dance program because it’s a great opportunity to bring people together, create a sense of community, and promote school spirit and pride,” Lara said. She added that the program will also provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills and talents, and to learn the importance of teamwork and dedication.
All three coaches—Adams, Dunson and Lara—will be relocating to the Columbus area in the coming weeks to begin recruiting for their inaugural seasons.