Morehead State Hires Kentucky Native Jackie Alexander as New Women's Basketball Head Coach

Alexander brings extensive Division I coaching experience and a history of success to the OVC program.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of navy blue, gold, and crimson, conceptually representing the strategic and athletic intensity of a women's basketball game.The geometric, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of women's basketball, reflecting the new coach's vision for elevating the Morehead State program.Morehead Today

Morehead State University has named Jackie Alexander as the new head coach of its women's basketball team. Alexander, a Kentucky native, has a long history of coaching success at the Division I level, including recent stints as an assistant at Illinois and East Tennessee State. She takes over a Morehead State program that has seen recent success in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Why it matters

The hiring of Alexander, who has strong Kentucky ties and a proven track record of developing talent, is seen as a major coup for the Morehead State women's basketball program. Her experience and leadership are expected to help the Eagles continue their upward trajectory in the OVC.

The details

Alexander, a native of Brodhead, Kentucky, has coaching experience at several Division I programs, including Illinois, Toledo, East Tennessee State, Albany, and Air Force. She was a standout student-athlete at the University of the Cumberlands, earning two All-Mid-South Conference honors and becoming a two-time NAIA Academic All-American. After graduating, Alexander served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of captain and deploying to Iraq in 2016.

  • Alexander was most recently an assistant coach at Illinois, helping the Illini to a 22-win season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament round of 32.
  • Prior to Illinois, Alexander served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at East Tennessee State, helping the program engineer a 21-win turnaround in just two seasons.
  • Alexander began her coaching career as the video coordinator at Air Force in 2017-18.

The players

Jackie Alexander

The new head coach of the Morehead State women's basketball team, a Kentucky native with a long history of coaching success at the Division I level.

Kelly Wells

The Director of Athletics at Morehead State University, who expressed excitement about the hiring of Alexander and her vision for the program.

Dr. Jay Morgan

The President of Morehead State University, who worked with the athletic department to bring Alexander on board as the new women's basketball head coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kelly Wells, Director of Athletics, Morehead State University

“I am honored and truly grateful for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program at Morehead State University. 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.”

— Jackie Alexander, Head Coach, Morehead State Women's Basketball

What’s next

Alexander will immediately begin recruiting and building her coaching staff as she prepares for her first season leading the Morehead State women's basketball program.

The takeaway

The hiring of Jackie Alexander, a Kentucky native with extensive Division I coaching experience and a track record of success, represents a major coup for the Morehead State women's basketball program. Her leadership and vision are expected to help the Eagles continue their upward trajectory in the Ohio Valley Conference.