ATLANTA (March 5, 2026) — Mark Campbell, longtime head coach at Union University, is the recipient of the 2026 WBCA Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today.
The Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award is named in honor of the late Carol Eckman, the former West Chester State College coach, who is considered the “Mother of the Women’s Collegiate Basketball Championship.” Eckman organized and conducted the first women’s basketball championship in 1969 at West Chester State (now known as West Chester University). She continued to garner recognition and support for the women’s game until her death from cancer in 1985. The WBCA presents the award annually to an active member coach who exemplifies Eckman’s spirit, integrity and character through sportsmanship, commitment to the student-athlete, honesty, ethical behavior, courage and dedication to purpose.
“Mark Campbell is a jewel in the crown of the game of women’s basketball. He has used his platform to focus on the development of the student-athlete, always teaching valuable lessons to equip his players for life,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “This award is the ultimate blessing from his peers in the way he conducts his program with integrity and purpose. Mark’s historic success on the court is a fitting product of his time, talent, and treasure.”
Campbell was named head coach at Union in 1999. In 27 seasons, he has compiled an overall record of 797-129 and has coached the Lady Bulldogs to five national titles — four in the NAIA (2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010) and one in the National Christian College Athletic Association (2014). Union continues its 2025-26 season tonight at home against Delta State in the Gulf South Conference Championship semifinals. Campbell also coached the USA Women’s U16 National Team to a goal medal in 2019.
Campbell was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. He is also a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame (2020). He was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the history of Union University as a part of the university’s bicentennial celebration in 2022. He is a two-time WBCA NAIA Coach of the Year (2004, 2008).
Campbell will retire from coaching at the end of this season but will remain the university’s director of athletics, a position he has held since 2023.
“I want to sincerely thank the WBCA and everyone who plays a part in making women’s basketball an incredible experience,” said Campbell. “It has been an honor to serve Union University and our student-athletes. Receiving the Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award is an honor I am humbled by. Jesus has changed my life, and He has continued to change me. Coaching is sacred to me, and how we do it matters more than the results. I am very grateful.”
The Carol Eckman Award was first presented in 1985. To see a list of past recipients, visit WBCA.org.
About the WBCA
The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women’s and girls’ basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to the organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit WBCA.org for more details about the association.
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