JSU’s Tomekia Reed is coming to Charlotte

Tomekia Reed is the winningest women's coach in Jackson State history.Photo byCourtesy of Jackson State

Charlotte49ers.com

CHARLOTTE – Tomekia Reed has been named the ninth head women's basketball coach for the Charlotte 49ers, director of athletics Mike Hill announced on April 25. Reed, a three-time HBCU national coach of the year, comes to Charlotte following a highly successful six-year stint as head coach of the Jackson State Tigers.

"Tomekia Reed is a proven winner whose passion for developing young people through the game of basketball is inspiring," Hill said. "Her enthusiasm is contagious and will translate into even more success for her on the recruiting trail and in the community. She shares our vision for greatness, and we are ecstatic to have her lead our program!"

Reed took JSU to new heights by winning five consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season titles and three SWAC Tournament titles, including back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022.

UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said: "Tomekia Reed is one of the most talented young coaches in college basketball today. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. We are delighted to welcome Tomekia to Niner Nation."

In making the program's second straight appearance in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, and the first as a No. 14 seed, JSU led in the fourth quarter in nearly achieving a historic tournament win over No. 3 LSU. JSU made its return to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 14 seed again to face No. 3 UConn in 2024, where Reed won the respect of hall of fame coach Geno Auriemma.

Reed is a four-time SWAC coach of the year (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024). The 2020 championship was the first regular season crown for JSU since 2008, and the 2021 tournament championship earned the program its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.

"The Gold Standard: What a powerful slogan for a university on the rise," Reed said. "I could not be more thrilled to become a Niner. I am inspired and excited to continue the standard of excellence that is this women's basketball program. Mike, Ragean Hill, Chancellor Gaber and the entire athletic department family made me feel welcome. Their enthusiasm and competitiveness is contagious. This leadership's strategic comprehensive plan aligns with my standards and plans for sustained success at the highest level. I am more motivated than ever to capitalize on the opportunity at hand in leading a winning team for both our student-athletes and the great city of Charlotte. It is a great day to be a Niner!"

JSU’s mark of 26 wins set a school record, including a historic 18-0 record in SWAC play. In April 2022, Ameshya Williams-Holliday was taken with the 25th overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever to become the first JSU player selected in the WNBA Draft. Angel Jackson, selected by the Las Vegas Aces with the 36th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is the second JSU player drafted during Reed's tenure.

As a head coach, Reed holds an overall record of 125-54, including a 95-10 conference record, coming off three consecutive 20-plus win seasons. Her JSU team has the fourth highest conference winning percentage over the last five seasons at 95.4%.

Charlotte women's basketball is coming off its first season competing in the American Athletic Conference. The Niners won nine AAC games on their way to earning the sixth seed in the conference tournament.

An introductory press conference is April 29 in the student-athlete lounge in Halton Arena at 2 p.m.