Yolisha Jackson was named the 10th head coach in University of South Alabama women’s basketball history on March 24, 2023. In her first two seasons leading the Jaguars, Jackson has focused on rebuilding and player development while laying the foundation for long-term success in the Sun Belt Conference. In her debut season, South Alabama posted a 9–23 record with two conference road victories at Texas State and Louisiana, and featured three players averaging double figures in scoring. The following season, the Jaguars secured conference wins over ULM and Southern Miss, and forward Daniela Gonzalez went on to represent Colombia at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Jackson’s return to Mobile marked a homecoming after previously spending seven seasons on the South Alabama staff, including serving as associate head coach during the 2019–20 campaign.
Before taking over the program, Jackson spent three seasons at the University of South Florida as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the Bulls compile a 70–20 record, win the 2020–21 American Athletic Conference Tournament, and reach three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. She played a key role in developing standout forward Bethy Mununga, a national award candidate and one of USF’s all-time leading rebounders. Earlier in her career, Jackson coached at Air Force and Kennesaw State, serving as recruiting coordinator at both stops and helping guide program growth and Division I transitions. A former standout at Jacksonville University, she scored 1,070 career points and was a two-time team MVP. Jackson holds degrees from Jacksonville and South Alabama and is the daughter of Austin Peay State Hall of Famer Howard Jackson.
