HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 17, 2026) … Coach James Sweat, who led the Hampton University women's basketball team to the 1986-87 NCAA Division II Championship, passed away on Saturday, it was announced.
 
Sweat served as head coach of the women's basketball team for seven seasons (1981-88) while posting a 183-44 record. His 1987-88 squad claimed the NCAA Division II national title with a win over West Texas State to highlight a 33-1 campaign.
 
During his tenure, the Lady Pirates won CIAA titles in 1985 and 1987. He was a three-time CIAA Coach of the Year while at Hampton, and he coached four straight CIAA Players of the Year – Darlene Chaney (1985), Sheila Hillman (1986), and Jackie Dolberry (1987, 1988).

He was inducted into the Hampton University Athletics Hall of Fame (2023) as well as to the CIAA Hall of Fame (2009), the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame (2009) and the Virginia State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2017). Along with his wife, long-time track and field coach LaVerne Sweat, he was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame (2013).

He also served as head coach of the Norfolk State women's basketball team from the 1988-89 season until his retirement at the end of the 2007 season.