A New Chapter for Camels Basketball
Campbell University has named Ali Jaques its new head coach for the women's basketball program, tapping a veteran leader who has spent nearly three decades navigating the rigors of Division I competition.
Jaques arrives after a distinguished stint as associate head coach at Rhode Island, where she helped guide the team to a program‑record 28 wins and an NCAA Tournament berth, a milestone that underscored her ability to translate strategy into results.
A Legacy of Success
Her coaching journey includes formative years at Siena College, George Washington, Seton Hall, Northwestern, Dayton, Furman, Sacred Heart and Rider, as well as a tenure at New York University where she captured a Division III national championship and guided the Violets to a 1997 title, a 1996 Final Four appearance and two Sweet 16 runs.
Beyond win totals, Jaques is celebrated for her recruiting acumen and her emphasis on cultivating student‑athletes of high character, traits that resonate with Campbell’s mission to develop well‑rounded leaders.
Athletic director William Downs praised the hire, stating that Jaques’s blend of experience and integrity aligns perfectly with the university’s aspirations for sustained competitiveness and academic excellence.
Campus voices have already expressed optimism; senior guard Hannah Bazemore noted that the new coaching staff brings a fresh energy that promises to elevate both performance and personal growth.
With the season opener approaching, the Camels are poised to blend seasoned tactics with the raw talent of players like Tammi Reiss and Sidney Cooks, aiming to translate early momentum into a campaign that reflects Jaques’s vision of winning with integrity.