Tony Cross served as Belmont’s head women’s basketball coach from 1984 to 2010 and helped in leading the program through its transition from NAIA to the NCAA Division I level. During his 26 year tenure, he had a career record of 544-255 and 23 consecutive seasons of a .500 record or better.

During his 15 years of coaching at the NAIA level, he built a program that became a force on the national stage. He led the program to four NAIA Tournament appearances, two District titles, and one conference championship. In addition, he coached three NAIA All-Americans (Aimee Smith, Kelli Davis, and Chrissie Herring) and numerous All-Conference performers. 

That success on the NAIA level continued as the program moved to NCAA Division I. In 12 seasons in Division I, the women’s basketball program made one NCAA Tournament appearance, won three Atlantic Sun regular season championships, and one Atlantic Sun Tournament title. He also coached two conference players of the year and 16 All-Atlantic Sun honorees.