Jackson State women's basketball coach
Tomekia Reed announced today that Jackson native and former Syracuse and WNBA player
Juanita Ward has joined the Tigers coaching staff.
"I'm beyond thrilled to join Jackson State University and the women's basketball program," Ward said. "I need to thank Coach Reed for allowing me to join her staff. I'm excited to get to work with such a talented team."
Reed is excited to have Ward on board.
"We are fortunate to have Coach Ward on our staff," added Reed. "Her background of playing high-level Division I basketball and in the WNBA will have a positive impact on our student-athletes. She's student-athlete centered and a great teacher of the game."
Ward most recently served as the head coach at Hartfield Academy. Prior to that, she coached three years at Jackson Preparatory School as an assistant. Ward is also active in the Jackson community and is the founder of her mentoring program, Hope Dreams 4 Life, which helps instill leadership, character, accountability, and responsibility in the lives of others.
In her playing days, Ward was a McDonald's All-American, Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year, two-time Parade All-American, three-time Dandy Dozen, Naismith National Player of the Year Nominee.
She played for the Tulsa Shock won a professional championship overseas in Ukraine. Coach Ward has a passion for Christ and loves helping others empower the strength within them.
Ward earned a bachelor's in communications and rhetorical studies from Syracuse.
