The John A. Logan College Board of Trustees unanimously named Charlie Jones the college’s new Women’s Basketball coach on Tuesday night.
Jones is the first African-American coach in John A. Logan College history in any sport. He is the fourth coach for the women’s basketball program. He replaces Amanda Shelby, who accepted another position at the college.
“Coach Jones is first and foremost an incredible human being, and I know those characteristics will be evident in his athletes and product that the Lady Vols puts on the floor,” said JALC Athletic Director Greg Starrick. “Coach Jones is highly respected in Southern Illinois and nationally through his AAU program, and we are lucky to have him leading this program.”
Jones was an assistant coach for former men’s basketball coach Kyle Smithpeters for a decade before stepping away to focus on his AAU program.
Jones coached women’s basketball at Southeastern Illinois College before joining Smithpeters’ staff.
“At my house, my entire family is involved in the coaching, and we try to provide a safe environment for the players to be able to open up and share what is going on with them,” said Jones. “Depending on what they tell me, I can reach into that experience box and share with them my own experiences.”
Assistant coach Matt Crain is expected to remain on staff for the Lady Vols.
