William Carey Hires New Women’s Basketball Head Coach

April 24th, 2025

William Carey University announced its fifth Head Coach in the history of its Women’s Basketball program in Jessica Garriga.

Garriga served as the Assistant Coach for the Lady Crusaders over the last ten seasons. She takes the throne after the departure of longtime Head Coach Tracy English. The team has just come off a 25-0 regular season in 2024-25. Garriga showed her gratitude after being announced as the Head Coach.

“I’m incredibly honored to be chosen as the new women’s head basketball coach at my alma mater,” Garriga said. “I’d like to thank our administration for this amazing opportunity. From the president’s office, the campus staff, and the players, the support here is second to none. I’m excited to continue the tradition of this program and look forward to getting to work immediately. I want to say a special thank you to my family for being so patient and allowing me the chance to chase my dreams.”

Prior to being named Head Coach, Garriga played basketball herself and claimed the record at Hancock High School for most points in a single game with 42, as well as 2,751 total career points. Her jersey (#10) was retired in 2014. In college, she arrived at William Carey in 2001 as a transfer point guard from Southern Miss. She played two years as a Crusader and was selected to the 2003 All-GCAC team.

Garriga joined the Lady Crusader coaching staff in the fall of 2015. Since then, she’s been a part of two conference championship teams. This past season, Garriga assisted in William Carey clinching the SSAC regular season title. Afterwards, they made an appearance in the SSAC Conference Championship and their first trip to the NAIA Opening Round since 2006, finishing after the NAIA Tournament with a 26-2 overall record.

Off the court, Coach Garriga has been elected as Chair of the SSAC Women’s Leadership Committee. She received the 2020 SSAC Woman of the Year Award. In addition, she was selected to attend the NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy in Kansas City, Missouri. At the Academy, she was named Assistant Athletic Director- Senior Woman Leader at William Carey University.

William Carey Women’s Basketball has a lot to be excited about with this hire, and the Lady Crusaders look to continue their ascent!