Rust College Names Jaleesa Sams as New Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Sams joins Rust College after a successful career with the North Carolina A&T women's basketball program, where she was an integral part of the team both as a player and in coaching roles. Sams played for the Aggies from 2007 to 2011, during which time the team won three straight MEAC regular-season titles and the 2009 conference tournament. The Aggies made a 2009 NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to the third round of the WNIT in 2010. Sams, a two-time All-MEAC selection, finished her career fifth in rebounds (692) and 12th in scoring (1,172) in the program's history.

 

After her playing career, Sams transitioned into coaching, serving as a graduate assistant (2012-2014) and later as the director of basketball operations (2014-2016) for North Carolina A&T. In her operations role, she managed team travel, coordinated scheduling, purchased equipment, and acted as the academic liaison. Sams' involvement extended to film exchange and scouting coordination as a graduate assistant, honing her expertise in team management and player development. She also gained coaching experience as an assistant coach at Southern Guilford High School, where she contributed to player development, academics, and fundraising activities.

 

Sams' excellence as a player extended back to her high school days, where she was a standout in Pennsylvania, earning back-to-back Pennsylvania Player of the Year honors and being named Lawrence County Player of the Year three times. She finished her high school career with 1,909 points, second all-time in school history, and was ranked 33rd in the nation at her position. In recognition of her achievements, she was inducted into the Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

 

Sams holds a bachelor's degree in sports science and a Master of Education degree, both from North Carolina A&T.

 

"We are extremely excited to welcome Jaleesa Sams to Rust College," said Jeremy Patterson, Director of Athletics. "Her leadership on the court and in life aligns perfectly with our values here at Rust. She has a history of winning and developing strong student-athletes, and I have no doubt she will continue that tradition with our women's basketball program."

For more information about Rust College Athletics and Jaleesa Sams' appointment, please contact Rust College at 662-252-8000 or visit rustathletics.com.