Winning games is one thing. Building a program from the ground up is something entirely different.

When Dwight Lindsey took over the Aliquippa girls basketball program, participation numbers were low and the Lady Quips were far removed from the championship tradition that once made them one of Western Pennsylvania’s most respected programs. Rather than looking for quick fixes, Lindsey focused on culture, accountability, development, and getting more girls excited about basketball.

The results have been remarkable. After years of steady growth, Aliquippa captured an undefeated section title and later won its first WPIAL championship since 1990, completing one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the area. The success didn’t happen overnight, but it proved what can happen when a coach believes in a vision and stays committed to the process.

I recently caught up with Coach Dwight Lindsey to discuss the rebuilding of the Lady Quips, the challenges along the way, and what the future holds for Aliquippa girls’ basketball

 

When you first took over the Aliquippa girls basketball program, what was your vision for where you wanted it to be?

When I took over, I would say I had two goals: a short-term goal and a long-term goal. Initially, in my three-year contract, I wanted to build a program in general. In the 2010s, our girls program went 1-20 twice. So I initially just wanted to build something with stability. We played summer leagues and fall leagues to get better—things they weren’t doing in the past. We went from 8 girls to 11, then to 14 in year three. The long-term goal was to get back to where it was when I was young: competing for championships, getting girls to the next level, and being a force in girls hoops. Now we have 20 girls playing in the varsity program.

 

Did you ever imagine the program would grow this quickly from where it started?

I definitely had some dark nights like, “WTH am I doing? Am I cut out for this?” At the end of year three, we made a run in the WPIAL playoffs, which got us to the state playoffs for the first time in quite some time. That confirmed for me that we had the ship headed in the right direction. The girls bought in. The next year, we won the section for the first time in nearly 15 years, then won the 2A WPIAL title in year five. I didn’t think it was possible in the first couple of years, but it taught me patience.

 

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during those early rebuilding years?

Man, when I got the job, just getting necessary things was tough. We had four basketballs, and two were flat. Lol. I had to go to people’s houses to get uniforms. We didn’t have travel suits and couldn’t get them until year three. Getting the girls to commit was a huge deal as well. We didn’t have some of the amenities that most places have. But the school board and AD at the time really worked with me. Our AD now has helped so much and worked with me to get the things we need. The booster club helped as well.

 

How difficult was it convincing more girls to come out and play basketball?

I had to swallow some pride and nearly beg a few. I also lost a few girls to private and non-boundary schools (no shade), which hurt the build some. I had girls thinking they couldn’t play basketball and cheer, or that playing hoops would mess with their skills in other sports, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

What does it mean to bring a WPIAL championship back to Aliquippa after such a long drought?

It meant the world to me—not for me personally, but for our community. I had an older woman come up to me and thank me. She simply said, “I never thought I would live to see this again.” Thirty-five years is a longggg time. I had four or five parents who weren’t even 35 years old. Think about that.

 

Looking back, what was the turning point when you realized this group could be special?

Carla Brown coming in, along with her classmates that I started with as freshmen, and we took off from there. Now we are a respectable program. So, I’d say the start of the 2023-24 season.

 

How important have defense, toughness, and discipline been to the identity of your teams?

It’s been everything. My guy Vashawn Patrick runs our defensive game plan, and he really has the girls getting after it. In 2024 and 2025, we were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in defense, which led us to a 44-10 record during those seasons (22-5 each year). We had to establish that identity, though, and the discipline through hard work.

 

What player or players helped change the culture of the program the most?

The Class of 2025—they made it go for this program. I’m forever grateful for them. Yaree Carter, Samiyah Ausby, and Aunesty Johnson started as freshmen in year two. We took some lumps that year but won seven of our last nine games and made the playoffs. Then Carla Brown came in and made this thing go for us. She and Johnson were co-WPIAL 2A MVPs. Yaree was Defensive Player of the Year, and Samiyah was a lockdown defender. It all fit together like a puzzle.

 

Aliquippa is nationally known for football and boys’ basketball. Do you think this championship has changed how people view girls’ basketball in the community?

I definitely think it changed the outlook of the program because young girls are coming up to me saying they want to play for the Lady Quips, and that’s not something that was happening as much in the recent past. But football and boys’ basketball will always be king here. I just want the consistency of those programs for us.

 

What role have parents, alumni, and community supporters played in helping the program grow?

The community has helped a lot. They feed the team. They support fundraisers. The alumni have stopped in and talked to the girls. The parents have helped in every capacity. I know I probably get on their nerves, but they ride with me.

 

What message do you give your players about balancing athletics, academics, and life responsibilities?

Academics are vital. Dr. Woods (Superintendent), Dr. Damico (AD), and the Aliquippa School Board have put together a great after-school study program to help the student-athletes get their marks. This past season, we had a 3.1 team GPA. Fifteen of 19 girls made honor roll. We have girls who work jobs, play ball, and get great grades. We want them to understand the importance of each, but grades come first.

 

How do you keep players motivated after reaching a major milestone like a WPIAL championship?

That was an issue for us during the 2025-26 season. After winning that, what do you do? Some kids thought we had it made and that teams would back down. Now they’re seeing that it made them a bigger target, and they’re going to get everyone’s best every night.

 

What advice would you give to young girls in Aliquippa who want to become the next generation of Lady Quips?

Come in and work. Get better. Enjoy this. You only get so long to play and have fun. Don’t cheat the grind, the program, or your teammates. We’ve got something really good going on here. Let’s continue to grow as a family. Grind ’til you shine.

 

Is there a coach who influenced your coaching style or leadership philosophy?

I had great coaches from youth league until now who influenced my style. Zmijanac taught structure and discipline. Marvin Emerson was really good with X’s and O’s. Warfield showed me how to get personal, show love, and have open communication. Doug Biega (former boys basketball coach and currently at Hopewell) showed motivation tactics. Sherm McBride showed swagger, but also how to be colorful with your players. So, I took a little bit from each.

 

What has coaching girls’ basketball taught you about leadership and mentorship?

It’s probably taught me about patience and even some things about mental health and its importance. I also want the girls to know I’m always in their corner. I truly think it’s helped me become a better dad to my daughter.

 

What are your goals for the program over the next five years?

Great student-athletes and great academic success. Continue to climb the ladder of team success and eventually win state championships. Consistency. Twenty-win seasons, championship games at the Petersen Events Center and the Giant Center.

 

What do you want your players to remember most about playing for Coach Lindsey?

I want them to remember that I tried to do all I could to help them become better people first, then the best players they could be. And that I’m always here for them.

 

What does Aliquippa mean to you personally?

Home. Family. Love. It’s where I learned the ropes of life. It’s where I continue to help my people as much as I can. There is no place like ALIQUIPPA.

 

Finish this sentence: “Aliquippa girls’ basketball is…” Chasing greatness one day at a time”.