Freda Freeman-Jackson reflects on 27-Year ASU hoops legacy
Longtime Alabama State women’s basketball coach Freda Freeman-Jackson announced her retirement Tuesday after 27 years leading the Hornets program.
Freeman-Jackson, who guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances during her tenure, spoke about her journey with the program where she also played college basketball.
“I am deeply indebted to Alabama State,” Freeman-Jackson said. “This is where I played basketball, had an opportunity to be the assistant coach, then being able to be at one program for 27 years—it is unbelievable.”
Already inducted into both the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Alabama State University halls of fame, Freeman-Jackson credits her success to the support system around her, including assistant coaches, players, mentors and the ASU administration.
“If I didn’t have the great coaches alongside me and the great players I coached, none of this would have been possible. So I give credit to everyone that was involved,” she said.
Freeman-Jackson expressed pride in watching her former players succeed beyond basketball, noting how meaningful it is when they return to campus to express their appreciation for her guidance.
As for retirement plans, Freeman-Jackson isn’t planning to disappear from the ASU community.
“I’m gonna get a chance to go on vacation, get back to Chicago where my family is,” she said. “I’m just going to still support Alabama State, be at games, be it football games or whatever. I’m gonna be visible in the community.”
