A New Era for Jacksonville Women's Basketball
Jacksonville University’s women’s basketball program has added a dynamic new voice to its bench. Monterika Warren, a former Division I standout and accomplished head coach, has been named assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, a move that underscores the university’s commitment to building on recent momentum.
Warren brings a résumé that blends playing excellence with coaching acumen. She earned All‑Mid‑Florida Conference First Team honors twice while at Daytona State, captured two conference championships, and later guided Bethune‑Cookman to back‑to‑back regular‑season titles in the MEAC. Her leadership extended to Austin Peay State University, where she served as director of basketball operations before returning to the sidelines at Johnson C. Smith University, where she was appointed head coach in August 2023.
Head coach Special Jennings expressed enthusiasm about the hire, noting that Warren’s blend of playing experience, championship pedigree, and recruiting savvy will complement the staff’s vision. “Monterika’s knowledge of the game and her ability to connect with student‑athletes are exactly what we need as we aim to sustain our success,” Jennings said.
The timing could not be more opportune. Just last season, the Dolphins captured the ASUN Tournament championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, marking the program’s second appearance ever. That historic run set a new standard for ambition and performance in Duval County.
Warren’s recent stint at Bluefield State, where she served as assistant coach and director of scouting, culminated in a 15‑12 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the CIAA Tournament. Her scouting expertise is expected to broaden Jacksonville’s recruiting reach beyond Florida, tapping into talent pools across the Southeast and the Mid‑Atlantic.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Warren’s appointment signals a broader push to integrate academic and student‑affairs initiatives. At Johnson C. Smith, she also held the title of assistant athletics director for student affairs, a role that reflects her dedication to holistic athlete development.