Director of Athletics, Jasher Cox, has announced that LaToya Jones will be named the new Yellow Jacket Women's Basketball coach in the fall of 2023.
"First I would like to give honor to God to whom all honor is due. I want to thank the University President, Dr. McNealey and Athletic Director, Jasher Cox for the opportunity," Jones said. "The moment that I stepped on campus, I knew it was the right fit. The campus environment has rich history and tradition, in addition to excitement and culture."
"Allen University has opened the door for me to lead, grow, and impact another generation of women, both on and off the court," Jones continued. "I am ready to get to work. GO YELLOW JACKETS!"
"From the very first moment I met Coach Jones, her enthusiasm clearly signaled that Allen is gaining someone truly passionate about her work," commented AD Cox. "Her track record demonstrates that she's a proven winner, having achieved success at every juncture in her career. We are absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to LaToya, her husband Alex, and their family as they join the Yellow Jacket community."
Prior to Allen, Jones served as the head coach for the Adidas PSB AAU National Girls Basketball team in 2022 and was the head girls' coach for Olympic HS in Charlotte from 2020-2022. This past athletic year (`22-23) Jones served as the Athletic Director at Gaston County Middle School.
Jones had her most extensive head coaching experience at Chowan University (NC) where she was the head coach for four seasons from 2016-2020 and compiled an even 55-55 record. During the 2017-18 season, Chowan finished with an impressive 19-9 overall record and a 10-6 mark in the CIAA. Chowan would be ranked in the NCAA Atlantic Regional poll for eight weeks during the season, climbing to as high as #7.
In her first season as head coach in 2016-17, Jones had a 17-10 overall record in the CIAA. The Hawks earned the top-seed in the CIAA North Division and upset Division II National Finalist Virginia Union twice during the season.
Jones has also coached multiple players to an All-CIAA First Team selection and CIAA Rookie of the Year honors.
Prior to her arrival at Chowan, Jones spent three seasons (2012-2016) as an assistant coach with the Spartans of UNC Greensboro in the Division I ranks. During her time with the Spartans, Jones was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations in her final season. Jones orchestrated alumni outreach, recruiting, and community service initiatives for the program in that capacity, while working primarily with post players.
Before moving to UNC Greensboro, Jones started her collegiate coaching career at her alma mater, Gardner-Webb, as an assistant coach for two seasons (2010-12). During the 2011 season, Jones helped aid the Runnin' Bulldogs to a 23-11 record on their way to capturing the Big South Conference Tournament Championship for the first time in program history while making their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament.
Before returning to Boiling Springs, Jones was an assistant coach for two years at Providence Day School in Charlotte, N.C. There, she helped the Chargers to a 48-10-1 record, a state championship in 2010 and a state runner-up finish in 2009.
The Atlanta, GA native earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Gardner-Webb in 2008. As a student-athlete for GWU, Jones was four-year Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic selection and helped guide the squad to their first-ever Atlantic Sun Tournament finals appearance in 2006 where she was named the team's best defensive player in 2007-08.
Jones received her Master of Science Degree in Sports Administration from Liberty University in 2019.
LaToya is married to her husband, Alex Jones and have a son Jeremiah, and daughter Allie.
