Jackson State Names Margaret Richards as New Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Jackson State University welcomes Margaret Richards as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team.

In a move that is expected to shake up the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Jackson State University has announced the appointment of Margaret Richards as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team. This comes after the departure of long-time head coach Tomekia Reed, who left to join Charlotte.

Richards, a 19-year collegiate coaching veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously coached at Alabama A&M and Mercer. During her time at Alabama A&M, she led the Bulldogs to nearly 100 wins and six appearances in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament, including a run to the semifinals of the 2019-20 event.

“I want to thank President Marcus Thompson and Vice President/AD Ashley Robinson for giving me this amazing opportunity to serve as the head women’s basketball coach at Jackson State University,” Richards said. “When you look at the landscape of our sport in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the standard over the last five years has been Jackson State. I am humbled, and honored, to be given this opportunity to serve the young women of our program and the Jackson State community. I understand the expectations and can’t wait to get to work.”

Richards also reeled in six all-conference honors, including a pair of first-team selections while at Alabama A&M. The Lady Bulldogs turned in a trio of winning seasons with her at the helm and put together an eight-game turnaround that bridged her first and second seasons.

Margaret Richards, the new head coach of the Jackson State women’s basketball team.

“I am excited to welcome Margaret Richards to Jackson State as our next head women’s basketball coach,” said Ashley Robinson, JSU’s Vice President & Director of Athletics. “She is no stranger to the Southwestern Athletic Conference and success. While she has been in the conference, she has taken a program from the bottom of the standings to a contender and when you look at leaders of your program that’s what you want. Our program has been at the top of the conference for the last five years and we want to stay there, and I believe that we have brought in the right person to do just that.”

With Richards at the helm, the Lady Tigers are poised to continue their dominance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Stay tuned for an exciting season ahead!

The Jackson State University women’s basketball team is ready to take on the new season with Margaret Richards as their new head coach.