Former all SWAC player joins coaching staff of rival HBCU

Courtesy of UAPB Athletics

Pine Bluff, AR . – After an outstanding HBCU women’s basketball career, winning three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) regular season titles, two SWAC tournament championships, and making two NCAA appearances as a student-athlete at Jackson State University , Jariyah Covington has now joined Erica Leak’s University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions women’s basketball staff as a graduate assistant.

“It’s significant to have Covington on the staff,” said Leak. “She is not only a leader, but she can also get out on the court and help our young ladies with their skill set due to her experience as a player. Covington is not only a SWAC champion, but she’s also highly respected within the team, and it’s fantastic to have her as a part of the coaching staff.”

Covington has an impressive track record of success in HBCU women’s basketball. She earned accolades such as being named Second Team All-Conference in 2022-23 and Sixth Man of the Year in 2020-21 during her time at Jackson St. Prior to joining the Lady Tigers, she excelled at East Central – Community College from 2018-20, where she served as team captain, earned two MVP awards, and was the leading scorer for her team for two consecutive years. She also received several honors including being named to the All-MACJC, First Team All-Conference 2019-2020, and Second Team All-Conference in 2018-2019.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Covington has demonstrated academic excellence by obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Physical Education.

Jariyah Covington’s HBCU Playing Career

2021-22 (29G/1S) Averaged 8.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists with 23 steals and two blocks…shot 36.3 FG%, 34.1 3ptFG%, 75.8 FT%…posted 11 10+ games, two 5+ rebound games, and four 5+ assist games…had season highs in points (17), assists (six) and steals (three) at Ole Miss (11/23)…tallied 16 points at Texas (12/1)…scored 14 points with a career-high seven rebounds and two assists at Mississippi State (12/19).

2020-21 (24G/4S) Averaged 9.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals…shot 40.8FG%, 42.9 3ptFG%, 73.4 FT%…posted 12 10+ scoring games and two 5+ assist games…tallied career-high 24 points with two assists and two steals vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3/1)…posted 20 points with two assists and two steals at Ole Miss (12/15)…recorded 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals at Stephen F. Austin (12/3).

Career Highs
Points: 24 vs Ark.-Pine Bluff 03/01/21
Rebounds: 7 at Mississippi St. 12/19/21
Assists 8: vs South Carolina St. 12/18/21
Steals: 4 vs Ark.-Pine Bluff 02/01/21, vs Alabama A&M 03/04/21
Blocks: 1 vs Florida A&M 02/12/22, at Texas 12/01/21
FG Made: 9 vs Ark.-Pine Bluff 03/01/21
FG Attempts: 16 at Alabama St. 01/04/21, at Mississippi St. 12/19/21
3FG Made: 4 vs Ark.-Pine Bluff 03/01/21
3FG Attempts: 6 vs Ark.-Pine Bluff 03/01/21
FT Made: 8 at Texas 12/01/21
FT Attempts: 10 at Texas 12/01/21

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