LaToya Jones Named Head Women's Basketball Coach at Chowan University

Head Coach LaToya Jones

MURFREESBORO, North Carolina -- The Chowan University athletic department announced LaToya Jones as the Head Women's Basketball Coach on Friday morning.

Jones inherits a program that posted a program-best 20-9 overall record in 2015-16 under former Head Coach Patrick Mashuda. The Hawks made their second appearance in the CIAA Tournament semi-finals this past season while earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance with an at-large bid. After twelve seasons with the Chowan Blue and White as an administrator and coach, Mashuda departs on May 31st after accepting an Assistant Coach position at Kent State University.

President Dr. M. Christopher White commented, "We are extremely grateful to Coach Mashuda for his twelve years of service to the University. He came to Chowan at a time when we were really struggling. He was patient and committed to turning the program around, and I'm proud of the success he's had here. We wish him well in his new position. I'm eager to welcome Latoya Jones and her family to Chowan. The women's basketball program is primed for a successful season and I'm excited to see all that we will accomplish with LaToya as coach."

Jones stated, "Chowan University is a place of faith, family and pride. I felt the love for community, athletics, and family when I arrived on campus. Chowan continues to grow as a campus, student body, and in the athletic realm…I am grateful to be part of a thriving University that meets challenges with innovation, opportunity with enthusiasm, and change with embrace."

Vice President/Director of Athletics Ozzie McFarland noted, "I am very excited for the future of our women's basketball program. LaToya is ready to be a head coach. She is a person of incredible character with a wealth of basketball knowledge. Patrick Mashuda left our program in great shape and LaToya Jones is the right person to take leadership of the program and to continue the program's upward trend".

Jones added, "I am looking forward to leading and mentoring a group of young ladies that has thrived on and off the court. I am excited about coaching a team that has been successful and has a tradition of excellence. Coaching is my platform to build relationships that equate to winning on the court and ultimately, in life. Fans can expect to see the Chowan women's basketball team play with purpose, passion, and excitement."

Jones takes the reins of the Chowan women's basketball program after serving at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Spartans before being promoted to Director of Basketball Operations for the 2015-16 season. Jones orchestrated alumni outreach, recruiting, and community service initiatives for the program in that capacity, while working primarily with post players.

Prior to her time at UNCG, Jones gained coaching experience on staff at her alma mater, Gardner-Webb University. The Runnin' Bulldogs posted a 27-36 record during her two seasons as an assistant, highlighted by a 23-11 record in 2010-11. That same season, the Gardner-Webb women's basketball team earned the Big South Conference Tournament crown for the first time in program history and made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Jones began her coaching career at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. There, she led the Chargers to two state championship appearances including a state title in 2010.

Jones earned a degree in Elementary Education from Gardner-Webb in 2008. As a four-year women's basketball student-athlete, she was named Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic four times and guided the Bulldogs to their first-ever Atlantic Sun Tournament finals appearance in 2006.

The Atlanta, Georgia native assumes the role of Head Women's Basketball Coach on June 1st. She is married to Alex Jones. The two have an infant son, Jeremiah Alexander.

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