Illini Women's Basketball Loses Assistant Coach

Jackie Alexander departs to become head coach at Morehead State

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:38am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in bright colors representing the dynamic action on the court.The departure of a key assistant coach represents a challenge for the Illini women's basketball program to adapt and evolve.Morehead Today

The University of Illinois women's basketball team is losing an assistant coach, as Jackie Alexander has been named the new head coach at Morehead State University in Kentucky.

Why it matters

The Illini women's basketball program has seen consistent success in recent years, and the departure of an assistant coach can impact team chemistry, recruiting, and overall performance on the court.

The details

Jackie Alexander has been an assistant coach with the University of Illinois women's basketball team for the past 4 seasons. She was instrumental in helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament in 3 of those 4 seasons. Alexander will now take over as the new head coach at Morehead State University, a Division I program in Kentucky.

  • Jackie Alexander was named the new head coach at Morehead State on April 7, 2026.

The players

Jackie Alexander

An assistant coach for the University of Illinois women's basketball team who has been named the new head coach at Morehead State University.

University of Illinois Women's Basketball Team

The Division I women's basketball program at the University of Illinois, which has seen consistent success in recent years.

Morehead State University

A Division I university in Morehead, Kentucky, whose women's basketball team has hired Jackie Alexander as their new head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Jackie has been an integral part of our program's success over the past four seasons. While we are sad to see her go, we are excited for the opportunity she has earned at Morehead State.”

— Illini Women's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

The Illini women's basketball team will need to quickly find a replacement for Jackie Alexander in order to maintain continuity and momentum heading into the next season.

The takeaway

The departure of an assistant coach can be disruptive for a successful college basketball program, but it also represents an opportunity for growth and development of new coaching talent within the sport.