Randy Norton enters his 13th season as head coach of the UAB women’s basketball program in 2025-26, having built the Blazers into one of the most consistent programs in school history. Since arriving in 2013, Norton has guided UAB to at least 15 wins in 10 of 12 seasons and compiled a 211-159 overall record, making him the second-winningest coach in program history. His tenure includes three consecutive 20-win seasons from 2017-20, highlighted by a historic 27-7 campaign in 2017-18 when UAB captured its first Conference USA regular season title and Norton was named C-USA Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the Blazers have made multiple postseason appearances, including five WNIT berths, and transitioned competitively into the American Athletic Conference with continued individual and team success.
Norton’s teams have consistently excelled on both ends of the court and in the classroom. UAB has broken numerous program records in three-point shooting, assists, and defensive metrics during his tenure, while also earning 17 All-Conference USA selections and multiple AAC honors. Off the court, the program has recorded 17 consecutive semesters with a 3.0 GPA or higher and earned three Conference USA Academic Excellence Awards. Prior to UAB, Norton served as associate head coach at Missouri and assistant coach at Illinois State, contributing to six postseason appearances. A former Iowa basketball and baseball student-athlete, Norton was part of the Hawkeyes’ 1980 Final Four team before beginning his coaching career.
