Ross James begins his first season as head coach of the UT Southern women's basketball program in 2024-25. Read the full announcement from UT Southern here: https://utsouthern.edu/2024/06/18/ut-southern-names-ross-james-as-new-womens-basketball-head-coach/
PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern has announced the hiring of Ross James as the next head women’s basketball coach.
James comes to UT Southern after serving as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, most recently as an assistant coach at Fordham University. In addition, James was an assistant at both Utah State University and Sacred Heart University.
During his tenure at Fordham, James showcased his adeptness in talent recruitment, notably securing Camila De Pool, a standout player from the highly regarded Lake Highland Prep in Florida, who also represented the Puerto Rican National Team.
Additionally, his time at Utah State University and Sacred Heart University saw him making significant contributions, including Utah State landing Skye Miller, a distinguished player recognized as the Eastern Arizona Regional MVP and JUCO All American. At Sacred Heart, James recruited Ny’Ceara Pryor who led the Pioneers to consecutive NEC championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
James' coaching journey includes a remarkable four-season stint as the head coach at Mary Baldwin University, where he orchestrated a notable turnaround for the Fighting Squirrels. Under his guidance, the team achieved an admirable 17-10 record in the 2018-19 season, an impressive feat considering their previous 2-23 standing. His leadership propelled the program to unprecedented heights, with the team emerging as preseason favorites in the 2019-20 season, accompanied by a string of three consecutive USA South Tournament appearances.
James' streak for identifying talent included the successful recruitment of four All Conference Players, including a Rookie of the Year recipient while at Mary Baldwin. These achievements earned him prestigious accolades such as the USA South Coach of the Year and the D3 Hoops South Region Coach of the Year in 2019.
Prior to his head coaching role, James served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Lafayette College, where he first showcased his prowess in identifying and nurturing talent. Notable achievements during his time at Lafayette include recruiting two McDonald All American Nominees, including future WNBA draft pick Natalie Kucowski, and receiving recognition for the Blue Star Honorable Mention Recruiting Class in 2017, a first for the institution.
James' academic background is equally impressive, having earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Millsaps College in 2009, followed by a master’s degree in kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University in 2014. His collegiate basketball career at Millsaps was marked by success, with his junior season culminating in a remarkable 28-4 record. The team's achievements, including a No. 6 ranking in Division III by D3hoops.com and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA D-III Tournament, underscore James' commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
The appointment of Ross James as the Head Coach of the University of Tennessee Southern women’s basketball program heralds a new era of excellence and ambition. With his wealth of experience, proven track record of success, and unwavering dedication, James is poised to lead the program to new heights and shaping the lives of student-athletes.