Head coach Erin Doughty of Marist University has officially completed the coaching staff for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, confirming the addition of Tiana Jones and Kiah Gillespie as assistant coaches.
Bringing Fresh Recruiting Energy
Jones arrives after two seasons at the University of St. Thomas, where she helped guide the program to its first conference tournament victory and contributed to a historic winning stretch in Division I. Her work with guard development, scouting and game preparation earned her All‑Conference honorable‑mention honors and Newcomer of the Year recognition, underscoring her impact on player growth.
Prior to St. Thomas, Jones spent a season at Wagner College, overseeing post and forward development and steering the team to a 6‑0 start in NEC play during the 2022‑23 campaign. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Drexel University and an MBA from Faulkner University, blending academic insight with on‑court strategy.
Kiah Gillespie returns to Marist after a two‑year stint at Stony Brook, where she honed her expertise in coaching post players and maintained a strong connection to the program’s culture. Gillespie’s playing pedigree includes two‑time All‑ACC First Team selections at Maryland, a WNBA draft pick in 2020, and professional experience in France, giving her a unique perspective on player development.
Together, Jones and Gillespie are expected to reinforce Marist’s recruiting pipelines, sharpen offensive and defensive schemes, and accelerate the growth of current roster members. Their combined backgrounds reflect a strategic investment in both talent acquisition and skill refinement as the Red Foxes aim to contend strongly within the MAAC.