The University of Akron Athletics
Sarah Jones has been promoted to associate head coach following three years as an assistant coach for the Zips.
Sarah Jones Promoted to Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach
October 02 | Women's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio — Sarah Jones has been promoted to associate head coach of the Akron women's basketball program after being an assistant coach in each of the past three seasons.
Jones coaches the Zips' wings/guards, while overseeing Akron's defense and non-conference scheduling.
Last season, Jones helped mentor Shaena Brew who earned MAC All-Freshman Team honors.
"Sarah has been incredibly loyal to our program and pours so much into our players, both as people and as basketball players," head coach Ryan Gensler said. "This promotion reflects the impact she has made at Akron and the way she continues to grow as a leader. She is preparing herself to become an outstanding head coach, and I'm excited for her to take this next step."
Jones came to Akron after spending three seasons (2020-23) as an assistant coach at Murray State, where she coached 2021-22 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year nominee Katelyn Young. Jones also mentored four all-conference selections over her three-year tenure.
Prior to her arrival at Murray State, Jones spent on season as an assistant coach at Tennessee State, where in November of 2019 she was named the interim head coach for the balance of the 2019-20 campaign.
Additionally, she spent five seasons at Loyola-Maryland, where she served in many capacities including recruiting coordinator for three seasons, offensive coordinator for two years and defensive coordinator from 2016-19, while also assisting with the skill development of post players.
During the 2013-14 campaign, Jones worked as an assistant coach at Morehead State, where she was the team's offensive coordinator and position coach for guards and wing players. She got her start as a graduate assistant coach for Villanova in 2012.
A three-time Big East All-Academic First-Team honoree, Jones played on three Villanova teams that reached postseason play. The 2009 Harry Perretta-coached Wildcats earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the 2008 and 2012 teams played in the WNIT.
A Philadelphia native, Jones graduated from Villanova in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in human services before obtaining a master's degree in secondary counseling in 2013.
The Zips will begin their 2026-27 campaign at James A. Rhodes Arena on Monday, November 2 against South Alabama. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Jones coaches the Zips' wings/guards, while overseeing Akron's defense and non-conference scheduling.
Last season, Jones helped mentor Shaena Brew who earned MAC All-Freshman Team honors.
"Sarah has been incredibly loyal to our program and pours so much into our players, both as people and as basketball players," head coach Ryan Gensler said. "This promotion reflects the impact she has made at Akron and the way she continues to grow as a leader. She is preparing herself to become an outstanding head coach, and I'm excited for her to take this next step."
Jones came to Akron after spending three seasons (2020-23) as an assistant coach at Murray State, where she coached 2021-22 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year nominee Katelyn Young. Jones also mentored four all-conference selections over her three-year tenure.
Prior to her arrival at Murray State, Jones spent on season as an assistant coach at Tennessee State, where in November of 2019 she was named the interim head coach for the balance of the 2019-20 campaign.
Additionally, she spent five seasons at Loyola-Maryland, where she served in many capacities including recruiting coordinator for three seasons, offensive coordinator for two years and defensive coordinator from 2016-19, while also assisting with the skill development of post players.
During the 2013-14 campaign, Jones worked as an assistant coach at Morehead State, where she was the team's offensive coordinator and position coach for guards and wing players. She got her start as a graduate assistant coach for Villanova in 2012.
A three-time Big East All-Academic First-Team honoree, Jones played on three Villanova teams that reached postseason play. The 2009 Harry Perretta-coached Wildcats earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the 2008 and 2012 teams played in the WNIT.
A Philadelphia native, Jones graduated from Villanova in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in human services before obtaining a master's degree in secondary counseling in 2013.
The Zips will begin their 2026-27 campaign at James A. Rhodes Arena on Monday, November 2 against South Alabama. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
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