MOREHEAD, Ky. — A Kentucky native with a long history of success at the Division I level, Jackie Alexander is the new women's basketball head coach at Morehead State.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jackie Alexander as the next head coach of our women's basketball program at Morehead State. Bringing Jackie back to her Kentucky roots is incredibly meaningful, and her journey of learning and growing alongside some of the best coaches and mentors in the women's basketball landscape has prepared her well for this opportunity," said Director of Athletics
Kelly Wells.
Alexander has coaching experience at Illinois, Toledo, East Tennessee State, Albany and Air Force. She was also a standout student-athlete at the University of the Cumberlands.
"I am honored and truly grateful for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program at Morehead State University," Alexander said. "This opportunity brings me home, and I'm excited to be part of a place that values hard work, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of community. I want to sincerely thank Director of Athletics
Kelly Wells and President (Dr. Jay) Morgan for the trust they have placed in me and for believing in the vision we share for this program. This role aligns deeply with my values, my passion for developing student-athletes, and my belief in building a culture that leads to sustained success. I'm eager to get to work and represent Morehead State with pride."
A native of Brodhead, Ky., in Rockcastle County, Alexander most recently was an assistant coach at Big 10 school Illinois. The Illini finished with 22 victories and reached the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Alexander helped mentor First-Team All-Big 10 selection Berry Wallace, as well as three additional all-conference award winners.
Alexander started her collegiate playing career at Army in 2010-11 before transferring to University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg for her final three years. She earned two All-Mid-South Conference honors and became a two-time NAIA Academic All-American.
After graduation, Alexander served in the United States Army. She saw active duty from 2014 to 2017, reaching the rank of captain. She deployed to Iraq in 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve with the 101st Airborne Division.
"Jackie has made a high-level impact in recruiting, creating strong connections across Kentucky and throughout the country. Her ability to identify, build relationships, and develop talented student-athletes will be a tremendous asset to our program," Wells said. "Her experiences, leadership, and record of success tell a powerful story. When you combine that with her perspective gained through her service in the U.S. Army, it's clear she brings a unique and valuable approach to leading young women."
She was also a standout high school athlete, leading Rockcastle County to the Kentucky Sweet 16 in 2010, where the Rockets won the school's first-ever state tournament game.
Among her accolades in team success, Alexander helped guide Toledo to a 24-9 mark in 2024-25 and a berth in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament. She coached four All-MAC honorees, including the conference Sixth Player of the Year Nan Garcia.
Prior to her time in Northern Ohio, Alexander served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at East Tennessee State. She was highly instrumental to bringing in and developing a roster which engineered a 21-win turnaround in just two seasons. In 2022-23, ETSU finished 25-10 with three All-Southern Conference picks. The Bucs earned a postseason bid to the WNIT event. In 2023-24, ETSU finished with 18 victories.
She served as director of basketball operations at Albany in 2018-19 and was the interim assistant coach. Alexander began her coaching career as the video coordinator at Air Force in 2017-18.
She graduated from Cumberlands in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in biology before earning her master's degree from ETSU in sport management in 2023.
"I couldn't be more excited to partner with Jackie as we build on the recent success of Morehead State women's basketball and continue to elevate the program moving forward," Wells concluded.
