Tempe, AZ – March 9, 2025 Arizona State University (ASU) has announced the termination of women’s basketball head coach Natasha Adair’s contract, closing the chapter on a challenging three-year tenure that failed to yield a winning season. Adair, who led the Sun Devils since her appointment in 2022, departs with an overall record of 29-62 and a dismal 7-47 mark in conference play, prompting the university to seek new leadership for the program.
The decision, confirmed by ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini on Sunday, follows a 2024-25 season in which the Sun Devils finished with a 10-22 record, including a 3-15 performance in Big 12 conference games. The team’s struggles culminated in yet another early exit from postseason contention, underscoring a persistent inability to compete effectively within one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
Despite the lack of on-court success, Rossini praised Adair’s off-the-court contributions in a statement released by the university. “Natasha has been an exemplary leader for our student-athletes and a positive force in our community,” Rossini said. “Her dedication to the growth of our players and her commitment to representing ASU with integrity will leave a lasting legacy. However, after careful evaluation, we’ve decided it’s time to move in a new direction to elevate our program’s competitiveness.”
Adair’s tenure began with high expectations as she brought a reputation for player development and a track record of success from previous coaching stints at Georgetown and Delaware. However, the transition to the Pac-12—followed by ASU’s move to the Big 12 in 2024—proved daunting. The Sun Devils posted records of 9-20, 10-20, and 10-22 over her three seasons, with consistent struggles against conference opponents. Her 7-47 record in league play reflects a .130 winning percentage, one of the lowest in program history.
The announcement marks the beginning of a critical search for Adair’s successor, as ASU aims to revitalize a program that has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2019. With the Big 12 emerging as a powerhouse in women’s basketball—home to perennial contenders like Baylor, Iowa State, and newcomer Utah—the pressure is on to appoint a coach capable of reversing the team’s fortunes and restoring its competitive edge.
“We are committed to finding a leader who can build a sustainable winning culture and position our program for success in the Big 12,” Rossini added. “This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to take the reins and elevate Sun Devil women’s basketball.”
Adair’s exit comes at a pivotal moment for ASU athletics, as the university navigates its transition into the Big 12 and seeks to bolster its standing across multiple sports. Fans and alumni, frustrated by years of underwhelming results, have voiced cautious optimism about the change, though questions linger about the program’s recruiting strategy and long-term vision.
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