Carlos Funchess
Carlos Funchess | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 13, 1969 Magee, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Basketball coach, former player |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Head coach of Southern Lady Jaguars basketball team |
Carlos Funchess (born February 13, 1969) is an American collegiate basketball coach currently leading the Southern Lady Jaguars in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. His playing career includes collegiate competition with the Northeast Louisiana Warhawks—now known as the Louisiana–Monroe team—and several years of professional basketball.
Hailing from Magee, Mississippi, Funchess spent two seasons at Copiah–Lincoln Community College before transferring to Northeast Louisiana ahead of the 1989–90 season. During his tenure, he guided the Warhawks to back-to-back regular season and tournament championships in the Southland Conference. In his senior year, he posted averages of 19.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest, earning him the distinction of Southland co-Player of the Year, an honor he shared with teammate Anthony Jones.
After completing his college career, Funchess played professionally in minor leagues across North America and in Venezuela. His time in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) included stints with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Rockford Lightning, where he averaged 5.6 points over 19 games during two seasons.
Funchess transitioned into coaching by joining Southern University's women's basketball program as an assistant in 2005. He was elevated to head coach in 2018, taking over from Sandy Pugh. In his debut season, he led the team to a 20–13 record while securing both the SWAC regular season and tournament championships. His achievements earned him recognition as SWAC Coach of the Year as well as the national Maggie Dixon Award, honoring the top first-year head coach.
Continuing his leadership, Funchess guided the Lady Jaguars to another SWAC tournament championship in 2023, further solidifying his influence on Southern's women's basketball success.