ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Harris-Stowe State University has announced the hiring of Levar Alton as Head Women's Basketball Coach. Athletics Director Dr. Nathan Cochran on the hiring of Coach Alton, "I am very excited about Coach Alton taking over the position at Harris-Stowe State University." Dr. Cochran further stated, "He rose to the top of their respective applicant pools. He brings program building and has experienced success on and off the court. I cannot wait to see the work Coach Alton will do with our Harris-Stowe student-athletes."

Coach Levar Alton enters his first season as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Harris-Stowe State University after spending the previous four years serving in multiple leadership roles within the Hornets athletic department.

Alton originally joined Harris-Stowe as an assistant coach for the women's basketball program, where he spent two seasons helping develop student-athletes on and off the court while contributing to recruiting, player development, scouting, and program culture. He then transitioned to the men's basketball program, serving as an assistant coach for two seasons and stepping into the role of Interim Head Coach while the university conducted its search for a permanent head coach.

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Alton brings an extensive background that spans the NAIA, NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NJCAA, high school, AAU, and professional levels of basketball. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a passionate teacher of the game, an accomplished recruiter, and a dedicated mentor committed to developing student-athletes both academically and athletically.

Prior to Harris-Stowe, Coach Levar held coaching positions at Southeastern Louisiana University, LSU Eunice, Clark Atlanta University, West Virginia Tech, Atlanta Metropolitan College, Brandon University in Manitoba, Canada, and Saint Francis High School in Georgia. His experience has allowed him to recruit and coach players from diverse backgrounds while helping build successful programs at every level of competition.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Alton served as a Practice Assistant with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream during the franchise's 2013 Eastern Conference Championship season. He is also the founder of Raising Queen, a basketball player development company and exposure organization dedicated to helping female student-athletes reach their goals.

A specialist in player development, particularly post play, Alton has helped develop multiple All-Conference selections, several All-Americans, and WNBA Draft picks throughout his coaching career. He has also been part of championship programs, including conference championships at LSU Eunice, Brandon University, West Virginia Tech and a Georgia State Championship at Saint Francis High School.

Alton earned his Master of Science degree in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Morris Brown College.

Known for his high energy, relationship-building, and commitment to student-athlete success, Alton's coaching philosophy is centered on discipline, accountability, and creating an environment where players can grow as competitors, leaders, and young women prepared for success beyond basketball.