CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL - Prairie State has hired Shawn Chism as its new head women's basketball coach. 

Chism brings a successful track record as a coach. Most recently, he was the head men's basketball coach ta Malcolm X College in Chicago where he led his squad to a Region IV championship in 2012-13. He was also named the Region IV Coach of the Year, District V Coach of the Year and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Community College Coach of the Year. He's also had stints as the head men's coach at Indiana University Northwest and College of Lake County.

At College of Lake County (2001-2006), Chism took his squad to the 2006 Final Four finishing third in the country and compiled a school record 29 wins. He was also named the Region IV Coach of the Year, District V Coach of the Year and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Community College Coach of the Year.

Chism has been an assistant men's coach at Rend Lake College, Northeastern Illinois University, Cumberland University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kennedy-King College and Trinity International University.

Chism holds a Master Degree in Human Relations Management from Cumberland University, Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University, and an Associate of Arts Degree from Rend Lake College.

Chism was also the President of Basketball Operations and head coach for the Lake County Lakers of the International Basketball League (IBL). 
 
Coach Chism and his wife Tonicka have five children: Jailon, Ontavion, Michael, Taylor and Sarai. They reside in Country Club Hills.