Darah Vining was named the Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Women’s Basketball Coach on May 16^th, 2020.

Prior to SPSCC after spending three years serving as the lead Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Northwest University (NU) and a Customer Service Specialist for the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation. 

“She brings her expertise of coaching at a four-year level and understands the dedication and commitment it takes for student-athletes to be successful,” said SPSCC athletics director Vernell Willingham.

A native of Federal Way, W.A., Vining graduated from University of Providence in Great Falls, Mont., with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Administration in 2017, where she played guard on the women’s basketball team. She was an Academic All-American and part of the school’s first team in history to reach the NAIA National Tournament. In 2020, Vining completed her Master of Education from University of Missouri.

“I’m honored to take on a role that directly supports our student-athletes, athletic director, and coaches, and that fosters an environment for student-athletes to achieve excellence in education, athletics, and life,” Vining said. “I’m very excited to bring my skills and experience to serve and assist in leading this department through growth, challenges, and long-term success.”

2020-21
In her first season leading the SPSCC Women's Basketball program, the Clippers did not participate due to COVID-19. 

2021-22
Following the missed season, Coach Vining led the Clippers back to the NWAC Championship tournament for the first time since 2016. The road to the tournament included an overall record of eleven wins against nine losses, earning them the fourth seed from the West Region. Their seven west region wins were the most since 2016-17. After the season, Coach Vining was named the NWAC West Region Coach of the Year. In addition to Vining's post-season recognition, Sharay Trotter and Payten Foster earned All-Region honors. Trotter earned West Region Defensive Player and Freshman of the Year honors. 

2022-23
With 19 wins overall, including ten regional victories, the Clipper returned to the NWAC Championship Tournament. Their ten regional victories were good enough for the second seed from the West Region. The Clipper would fall to North Idaho College 67-55 in the Sweet Sixteen. Sharay Trotter and Payten Foster would again earn All-Region honors, with Sharay winning West Region Defensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year. 

The Clippers posted a 3.37 team GPA for the year, including six student-athletes earning SPSCC President's List honors (4.0). From the 2022-23 roster, five Clippers moved on to the four-year level: Sharay Trotter (Central Methodist Univ. NAIA), Payten Foster (Univ. of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, NAIA), Brandie Tobin (Pacific Lutheran Univ, NCAA DIII), Honey Let Padasdao (Evergreen State College, NAIA), Nikeshia King (William Penn University, NAIA).