“Phew!” exclaimed Tomekia Reed after she was announced as the new University of Charlotte women's basketball coach at a news conference Monday.
“I guess that woke you up,” Reid said.
Reed expressed gratitude to God, his son Karlon, his family, friends, agents and the 49ers organization. She also thanked Jackson State athletic director Ashley Robinson.
“I want to thank him for his support in helping us win many championships at Jackson State,” Reed said. I am forever grateful for my HBCU family and experience. ”
Why Tomekia Reed chose to coach in Charlotte
Reed has had interviews and offers from other schools, including in 2022 and after leading the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament last month. She reportedly interviewed at Tulane and Tennessee about a week after Jackson State's 2024 season ended.
She said she has been patiently waiting for an opportunity like the one in Charlotte. She told Charlotte's current team that they will work with one heart and one vision toward one goal.
“I want more trophies and more championships,” Reid said. “This will be the new location for the ring to exist.”
In addition to adding staff, Reid said he plans to bring all of Jackson State's assistant coaching staff with him: Chase Campbell, Jonathan Williams and LaShonda Cousin.
“I will never forget my experience at Jackson State,” Reed said. “It shaped me into the person I am today: a hustler, a die-hard winner, a champion, a resilient, tough person. I'm grateful for the HBCU community and what we've been able to do. ”
Tomekia Reed leaves Jackson StateTomekia Reed leaves Jackson State University women's basketball team to coach at Charlotte University
Why Charlotte women's basketball hired Tomekia Reed
Reed spent six seasons at Jackson State, compiling a 125-54 record, winning five regular-season SWA championships, appearing in the NCAA Tournament three times, and being one of two players drafted by WNBA teams. (Angel Jackson and Amesha Williams Holliday). She has won the SWAC Coach of the Year Award four times and the HBCU Coach of the Year Award three times.
Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill said Reed was the top choice from the beginning. He was looking for a good recruiter with a proven track record who could develop talent.
“We were looking for someone who was hungry, humble, smart and could live up to the gold standard, and we found that in Tomekia Reed,” Hill said. Tomekia is a winner and what she accomplished at Jackson State University is nothing short of spectacular. ”
JT Keith is the Clarion Ledger's HBCU sports editor. Email JKeith@gannett.com or find us on Twitter @JTKEITH1.