Johnetta Hayes introduced as Alabama State women’s hoops coach
Alabama State University introduced Johnetta Hayes as just the third women’s basketball head coach in the program’s 43-year history Tuesday at ASU Stadium Lounge.
ASU president Dr. Quinton Ross and athletic director Dr. Jason Cable emphasized the significance of the hire, noting many candidates were interested in the position following longtime coach Freda Freeman-Jackson’s retirement.
Johnetta Hayes Resume
Hayes brings an impressive SWAC coaching record from her tenure at Texas Southern. She won 78% of conference games and secured two regular season championships and one tournament title. She subsequently served as head coach at UMBC for four years before her most recent position as an assistant at Rutgers.
Connection with Freda Freeman-Jacskson
The new coach said Alabama State already feels like home. She noted her relationship with Freeman-Jackson dating back to graduate school.
“‘Get it done,'” Hayes said with a laugh when asked what advice Freeman-Jackson offered. “No, she’s really good, she’s really supportive. And she just felt like if anyone could do it, I can. I mean we competed against each other for a long time.”
Hayes recalled the challenge of facing Alabama State teams under Freeman-Jackson’s leadership.
“They played hard, they were talented. It was always hard to come here and win because of the crowd support,” Hayes said. “The student body did an amazing job. And it was just great coaches around. So I know that we have the support. Now I have to do my job and get them prepared to win.”
ASU Men’s Basketball provides a blueprint
Speaking of winning, Hayes also acknowledged coach Tony Madlock and the ASU men’s basketball program, who reached the NCAA Tournament this March. She attended their championship parade and said their achievement provides a blueprint for the women’s team to win a SWAC championship.
“When you watch how the other team wins and how they got to a championship program, you just have to pay attention,” she said. “You have to be around, you have to be in the gym. You have to be a sponge. I plan to do just that and try to feed off their energy and their SWAC Championship. And hopefully it bleeds over into our team as well.”
