BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University head coach
Aqua Franklin is adding to her coaching staff as she brings in new assistant coach
Jericka Jenkins, while former associate head coach
Charinee Mitchell will transition back to administration.
"We're thrilled to welcome
Jericka Jenkins to our women's basketball program," said head coach Franklin. "Her commitment to recruiting, player development, competitive excellence, and a passion for developing student-athletes align perfectly with our vision. We're confident Coach Jenkins will make an immediate and lasting impact on our student-athletes both on and off the court. She brings incredible energy that will continue to elevate us in building something special."
Jenkins has spent the last eight seasons on Texas State's coaching staff, first as a graduate assistant (2018-20) and then as an assistant coach (2020-26). She was also the Bobcats' recruiting coordinator, a job she held beginning back in 2023.
Over her time with Texas State, the Bobcats won a share of the Sun Belt Conference regular season title, reached the SBC tournament championship game and made an appearance in the WNIT. Among the players she helped to develop were Kennedy Taylor, who holds both the SBC's and the school's career assists record and Toshua Leavitt, who earned first team honors after breaking the school and conference's career three-pointers made record (363).
Before joining the staff, she was an assistant coach at Ranger College (TX), with responsibilities including recruiting, guard development, academic achievement, and strength and conditioning.
Jenkins was a former player for Hampton University, competing in all four seasons for the Lady Pirates while leading them to three conference championships. Among her accolades were a spot on the First Team All-MEAC and an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American in 2010-11. In each of her last two seasons, she took home Hampton's Female Student Athlete of the Year award.
Jenkins holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Sports Science with Texas State (May 2020) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology/Criminal Justice (May 2012).
