Laura Dinkins was named the 13th head coach of the Northern Arizona University women's basketball program on April 1, 2025, returning to the university where she helped build one of the most successful eras in program history as both a student-athlete and assistant coach. A former Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, NAU Hall of Fame member, and one of the nation's rising coaches, Dinkins enters her second season leading the Lumberjacks with more than 16 years of Division I coaching experience and a reputation for building winning cultures, developing elite talent, and recruiting at a championship level.

In her first season at the helm, Dinkins guided one of the youngest and newest rosters in the country through a complete program rebuild. With only two returning players and 13 newcomers, the Lumberjacks improved dramatically over the course of the season, finishing 10-22 after a 1-9 start and earning the No. 7 seed in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. The season showcased the resilience and competitive identity that have become hallmarks of Dinkins' teams, highlighted by a conference-opening victory over Montana and the emergence of Big Sky Freshman of the Year and All-Conference selection Naomi White.

Before returning to Flagstaff, Dinkins spent two seasons as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Grand Canyon University under Molly Miller. During her tenure, the Lopes compiled a remarkable 56-10 (.848) record, captured consecutive 24-plus win seasons, and enjoyed the greatest stretch in program history. In 2024-25, GCU won a school-record 32 games, claimed both the Western Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships, and earned the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level. Defensively, the Lopes ranked among the nation's elite, finishing 18th nationally in scoring defense and 36th in steals per game.

Dinkins has established herself as one of the premier player-development coaches in the country. Throughout her Division I coaching career, she has mentored 25 All-Conference selections, multiple Conference Players of the Year, Defensive Players of the Year, Freshmen of the Year, and Sixth Players of the Year while helping numerous student-athletes continue their careers professionally.

Prior to Grand Canyon, Dinkins served six seasons at Long Beach State (2017-23) as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Long Beach State improved its overall winning percentage every season during her tenure, culminating in three consecutive winning seasons, a 54-28 record from 2020-23, two WNIT appearances, and the best conference winning percentage in the Big West during that span.

She previously spent three seasons at Fresno State (2014-17), helping the Bulldogs compile a 63-37 overall record with three consecutive winning seasons, two 22-win campaigns, and two WNIT appearances. Her coaching career also includes assistant coaching and recruiting coordinator positions at Idaho State and Northern Arizona, where she first began coaching under legendary NAU head coach Laurie Kelly.

Few coaches possess the connection to their institution that Dinkins has with Northern Arizona. As a Lumberjack from 2003-08, she helped lead NAU to its sole Big Sky Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. She earned Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2007, was named All-Big Sky Second Team in 2008, and was a five-time All-Big Sky Academic Team selection. She remains among the program's all-time leaders in rebounds and games played and was inducted into the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

Following her collegiate career, Dinkins played professionally in the Netherlands and Germany, where she led both teams in scoring, served as team captain, and helped Chem Cats capture the 2009 German Division II Championship.

Known for her relentless work ethic, player-first leadership style, and commitment to developing championship habits, Dinkins believes sustained success is built through relationships, accountability, competitive excellence, and servant leadership. Her vision for Northern Arizona extends beyond wins and losses—creating a culture where student-athletes grow as competitors, leaders, and people while pursuing championships on the court and excellence in the classroom.

A native of Rialto, California, Dinkins earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Northern Arizona University in 2008.