A Fresh Face on the Coaching Staff
Montevallo University announced this week that Deshawn Montgomery will join the women's basketball program as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, bringing a blend of playing experience and administrative insight to the staff.
Montgomery arrives after a stint as a graduate assistant at Jacksonville State, where he played a key role in the team's historic run to its first Conference USA Tournament championship, a double‑overtime victory over UTEP that cemented the program's breakthrough on the national stage.
From Player to Coach
During that period he also mentored several All‑Conference talent, including Clara Gonzalez Planella and Mya Barnes, helping shape the development of players who now look to elevate the program under his guidance.
Prior to Jacksonville State, Montgomery served as a student manager at the University of Southern Mississippi under Hall of Fame coach Joye Lee‑McNelis, where he oversaw scout‑team drills, organized practice sessions, managed equipment logistics and coordinated team travel.
Academic Foundations and Early Roles
His contributions helped the Lady Eagles capture a share of the Sun Belt Conference regular‑season title in 2022‑23 and advance to the third round of the WNIT the following year, underscoring his ability to impact winning cultures.
Montgomery's academic path includes a 2020 graduation from Shannon High School in Mississippi, an associate degree from Itawamba Community College, a bachelor's in kinesiology from Southern Miss and a master's in sports management from Jacksonville State, providing him with a strong foundation in both sport science and administration.
Looking Ahead
Athletic director Olivia Chapman praised the hire, noting that Montgomery's diverse background and proven track record of player development align perfectly with Montevallo's ambition to compete at the highest level in the Gulf South Conference.
Fans can expect a coach who not only understands the technical demands of the game but also embodies the discipline and teamwork that have defined his own journey from a high school standout in Shannon to a rising leader in collegiate basketball.