Ballerific Fashion: Sydney Carter Is the WNBA Coach Slaying Every Sideline Look

Known as “The Pink Pants Coach,” Sydney Carter is not just a basketball guru but also a fashionista redefining style in sports leadership.

As a retired WNBA player and assistant coach for the University of Texas Longhorns, Carter effortlessly blends her passion for basketball with fly-style choices. Her viral moment came during a 2021-2022 Cancer Awareness game, where she sported vibrant pink leather pants on the sidelines. The flamboyant look sparked widespread conversation, with critics questioning its appropriateness. Yet Carter remained undeterred, turning the spotlight into a platform for empowerment.

 

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“People said, ‘How dare she? Why does she think this is appropriate?’” Carter recalled to Black Enterprise. “Now I just think a lot of people see the confidence that I wear and then they see the clothes because I just show up as me and I’m not apologizing for whatever.”

Carter’s wardrobe contains pieces from widely known fashion houses. In early January 2025, she stunned yet again with a black and silver tailored look from Nadine Merabi. As a testament to her style journey, Carter partnered with Nigerian designer, Ola Folami, for her own line of suits.

In addition to the high-end fabrics, Carter also pairs each look on the court with daring accessories. This includes her unique set of nails, which complement every look. In December 2024, Carter paired a skirt set and matching blazer from her Ola Folami collection with a Christmas-inspired set of claws.

Beyond her sideline style, Carter continues to shape the next generation of athletes, guiding student-athletes as both a leader and mentor. In addition to being a coach, Carter is also the Director of Player Development for women’s basketball at the University of Texas.

Carter’s legacy as a style icon and leader sends a clear message: Women in sports can command attention, spark evolution, and look incredibly fierce doing it.