Berea, KY – Berea College Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Byron Wimphrie as Head Women's Basketball Coach.

"Coach Wimphrie is a dynamic leader whose energy, vision, and character make him an outstanding fit for Berea College and our women's basketball program," said Ryan Hess, Director of Athletics at Berea College.  "He brings a proven record of success on the court, along with a deep commitment to student-athlete development and meaningful relationship-building.  Coach Wimphrie's passion for mentoring young people and fostering excellence both academically and athletically aligns strongly with Berea's mission and values.  We are thrilled to welcome Coach Wimphrie and his wonderful family to our athletics department and campus community."

Coach Byron Wimphrie brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to Berea, including stops at Charleston Southern University (NCAA Division I) and Southern Wesleyan University (NCAA Division II).  Most recently, Wimphrie served as Head Girls Basketball Coach at Walhalla High School (S.C.), where he led the program to unprecedented success.  Since taking over in 2021, he guided Walhalla to back-to-back South Carolina state championships, including the first girl's basketball state championship in school history.  Under his leadership, the program also captured multiple region championships and made several deep post-season runs, including Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen appearances.  Wimphrie was named South Carolina State Coach of the Year in 2025–26 and has earned multiple Region Coach of the Year honors throughout his career.  He has also played a significant role in the development of numerous All-State and All-Region student-athletes.

A former collegiate point guard, Wimphrie played at Southern Wesleyan University from 2006 to 2009 following a brief stint at Charleston Southern.  He earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Southern Wesleyan in 2009, a master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Leadership Development from Walden University in 2013, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2021.

In addition to his coaching career, Wimphrie is the author of Battle Tested Coach, a book centered on leadership, overcoming adversity, and coaching philosophy.  "I am humbled and honored to take over the Berea College Women's Basketball program," said Wimphrie. "Thank you, first to God, and also the administration at Berea College for believing in me. Let's get to work!"

Coach Byron Wimphrie and his wife, Brittany, have four children: Elynn, Banks, Townes, and Oakie.