South Puget Sound CC

Darah Vining is entering her fourth year as the Head Women's Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC). Appointed on May 16th, 2020, Vining brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

Early Life and Education:

A native of Federal Way, Washington, Vining graduated from the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana, in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Administration. During her time at Providence, she showcased her skills as a guard on the women's basketball team, contributing to the historic achievement of the school's first team to reach the NAIA National Tournament. Vining's dedication to academic excellence earned her recognition as an Academic All-American.

In 2020, she furthered her education, earning a Master of Education in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Positive Coaching from the University of Missouri.

Coaching Career:

Before joining SPSCC, Vining spent three years at Northwest University (NU), where she served as the lead Assistant Women's Basketball Coach under Head Coach Ken Crawford.

Season Highlights:

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 10 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).