William Carey Adds Member to Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

Head Coach of William Carey women’s basketball Jessica Garriga announced the hiring of Cotoria Blackmon to her coaching staff. Blackmon will take the role of assistant coach for the 2025-26 campaign.

In 2024-25, the Lady Crusaders set a school record for winning percentage, finishing at 26-2 overall and going to the NAIA National Tournament. Blackmon will be joining elite company and will look to boost the team’s morale even more heading into next season.

Blackmon was born in Jackson, Miss. and played basketball at Callaway High School, eventually signing to play with Pearl River Community College. She would then transfer from Pearl River to William Carey to finish out her playing career while also earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2021.

Blackmon also already has coaching experience, working as an assistant coach at Murrah High School before returning to Pearl River in the 2022-23 season. As an assistant in Poplarville, she helped guide the Lady Wildcats to a 24-3 overall record and a Region 23 Tournament Championship appearance.

“I’m excited to welcome Coach Blackmon back to William Carey as a member of our coaching staff,” coach Garriga said. “Tori has consistently impressed me, first as a player, then as a student coach, and now in her new role as a full-time assistant,” she said.

Blackmon is eager to get started in Hattiesburg.

“My goal isn’t just to build better players, but better people- strong in character, relentless in effort, and prepared for life beyond the game,” said Blackmon. “I’m excited to be back at William Carey and look forward to the future.”

The Lady Crusaders begin their season on October 24 at the Faulkner Classic in Montgomery, Ala.

Author administrator Kellen Walker