By personda rattler
(Source: Rattle Nation)
Mickey Clayton, the pioneering FAMU coach who made history as the only NCAA Division I leader to win championships in both men’s and women’s basketball at the same institution, died Monday evening at age 70. His passing marks the loss of a towering figure in HBCU athletics, remembered for transforming FAMU’s programs and inspiring generations of student-athletes.
A legacy forged against the odds
Clayton’s coaching journey began humbly. In 1977, he took over FAMU’s fledgling women’s basketball program as a volunteer, recruiting on his own dime while leaning on alumni networks to build a contender. His impact was immediate: After a 4-15 debut season, he engineered a stunning turnaround to 14-11 in 1978-79—a sign of the relentless drive that would define his 13-year tenure.
By the time he stepped down in 1990, Clayton had compiled a 144-90 record as women’s coach, including 11 winning seasons and seven campaigns with 18 or more victories. His teams became synonymous with high-energy, pressing defense and electrifying crowds, drawing over 2,000 fans to Gaither Gymnasium routinely—and packing 3,000-plus into the venue three times.
For eight consecutive years, the FAMU Rattlerettes led all Florida colleges in women’s basketball attendance, a testament to Clayton’s ability to marry competitiveness with showmanship.
Championship pedigree
Clayton’s crowning ac-hievement came in 1985-86, when he guided the Rattlerettes to a sweep of the Trans America Athletic Conference (now the New South Women’s Conference) regular-season and tournament titles. Over the next four years, his teams became conference finalists every season, cementing FAMU as a mid-major powerhouse. His squads notched 21-win seasons in 1986 and 1988, battling elite programs like Louisiana Tech, Auburn, Florida, and Texas Tech along the way.
“Coach Clayton didn’t just build a team—he built a culture,” remembered longtime former FAMU Sports Information Director Alvin Hollins. “His belief in these young women, and his willingness to fight for resources when few cared about women’s sports, changed the trajectory of FAMU Athletics forever.”
A multifaceted impact
Clayton’s contributions extended far beyond the hardwood. In his 37-year career at FAMU, he also served as head coach of the men’s basketball team, directed the university’s academic advisement center, and helmed the FAMU Boosters. In the latter role, he spearheaded fundraising efforts that generated over $2 million for athletics, funding critical upgrades like the Lawson Center’s first overhead scoreboard and a Bragg Memorial Stadium’s jumbotron.
“He was a visionary who understood that excellence in athletics required investment,” said former FAMU President Larry Robinson. “Mickey’s work ensured our student-athletes had the tools to succeed, on and off the court.”
A lasting legacy
News of Clayton’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from former players, rivals, and colleagues, who recalled his fiery sideline presence and unwavering commitment to FAMU.
As the basketball world mourns, Clayton’s words from a 1988 interview resound: “We didn’t just play games—we built something that mattered.” For FAMU, that something endures.