Charlotte Women's Basketball Coach Tomekia Reed Takes Leave of Absence

Assistant Coach LaShonda Cousin to serve as interim head coach during Reed's recovery.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:10pm

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Charlotte 49ers women's basketball head coach Tomekia Reed is taking a leave of absence from the program due to medical reasons. Assistant coach LaShonda Cousin will serve as the interim head coach while Reed is away.

Why it matters

Reed has been a successful head coach, leading Jackson State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and producing WNBA draft picks. Her departure is a significant loss for the Charlotte program as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

In a statement, Charlotte athletic director Mike White said the university is fully supporting Reed as she manages her health and recovery. Cousin, the team's assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, will take over head coaching duties in the interim.

  • Tomekia Reed has been the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball team for the past two seasons.

The players

Tomekia Reed

The head coach of the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball team, who is taking a leave of absence due to medical reasons.

LaShonda Cousin

The assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball team, who will serve as the interim head coach while Reed is away.

Mike White

The athletic director of Charlotte, who issued a statement supporting Reed and expressing confidence in the coaching staff.

Ameshya Williams-Holliday

A former player under Reed at Jackson State, who was drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2022.

Angel Jackson

A former player under Reed at Jackson State, who was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Reed has our full love and support as she manages her health and recovery. We know Niner Nation and the women's basketball community will be respectful of her privacy and continue to offer their support as well.”

— Mike White, Athletic Director, Charlotte

“Our program remains in good hands as Coach Reed has a connected staff more than capable of continuing to build a winning culture here at Charlotte...Coach Cousin and the rest of our staff are prepared to attack the offseason with energy, excitement, and purpose. Charlotte Women's Basketball will be well prepared for the 2026-27 season.”

— Mike White, Athletic Director, Charlotte

What’s next

The Charlotte 49ers women's basketball team will continue their offseason preparations for the 2026-27 season under the leadership of interim head coach LaShonda Cousin.

The takeaway

Tomekia Reed's leave of absence is a significant loss for the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball program, but the university is expressing confidence in the coaching staff's ability to maintain the team's momentum and prepare for the upcoming season.