Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Announces Staff Overhaul with Four New Assistant Coaches

OXFORD, MS — In an exciting announcement for fans of Ole Miss women’s basketball, the team is set for a complete overhaul in its assistant coaching staff as it prepares for the 2024-25 season. The Rebels announced the addition of four new assistant coaches, namely Empress Davenport, Kayla Gordon, Joy Smith, and Jake Whitehead, on Thursday afternoon. This fresh roster of coaches will support Ole Miss women’s basketball head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin for the upcoming season.

New Faces Join the Rebel Roster

Empress Davenport, after her tenure as an Assistant at UTSA, is one of the four new coaches. Coming off the heels of a successful period at UTSA, with the Roadrunners finishing fourth in the AAC last season, she brings valuable experience to her role at Ole Miss.

Kayla Gordon, a Mississippi native hailing from Meridian, reunites with McPhee-McCuin following her time playing under the head coach at Jacksonville. After a three-season stint under coaches Special Jennings and Darnell Haney with the Dolphins, she makes her return to her home state ready to contribute to the Rebel’s success.

Having served as an assistant coach at the power conference level since 2011 with time at premier institutions like Duke, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, and Clemson, Joy Smith brings with her a wealth of experience. Smith, a former WNBA player known for her coaching achievements, resulted in multiple NCAA tournament appearances from Ohio State, Duke, and Clemson.

Jake Whitehead, after a successful two-season stint as the Rebels’ coordinator of video operations, is set to have his role elevated to assistant coach. Though promoted, he will continue to work with video operations, providing a seamless link between analysis and on-court action.

Former Syracuse Head Coach Joins the Ranks

Aside from this fresh team of assistant coaches, former Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman will be joining the team. Hillsman parted ways from Syracuse when the university launched an investigation into claims of improper behavior and allegations of a bullying culture. Though numerous players reported positive experiences within the program, several concerns were raised about an “unhealthy environment and culture”. The inclusion of Hillsman in the Ole Miss lineup demonstrates the university’s trust in his leadership abilities.

An Impressive Track Record Continues

Last season saw the Rebels laying down an impressive record, with 24 wins and 12 SEC victories for the first time in program history, which culminated in reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament. The team eventually lost to Notre Dame, but despite the stumble, the groundwork has been laid for future success.

With this complete overhaul in the assistant coaching staff, Ole Miss women’s basketball fans and players are eagerly waiting for the commencement of the 2024-25 season. The appointments of Davenport, Gordon, Smith, and Whitehead, along with the inclusion of former Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman, undoubtedly adds new dynamics to the team. It remains to be seen how this will stand them in good stead for another successful season.