Niagara University, NY -After 11 years as Niagara University's head women's basketball coach, Jada Pierce has announced that she is stepping down from the position.

"I want to thank Jada for her unwavering commitment to Niagara University," Associate Vice President for Athletics Simon Gray said. "I am grateful for the integrity and leadership that Jada, and her staff, have exuded for more than a decade on Monteagle Ridge."
 

During Pierce's tenure, the Purple Eagles were successful on the court, in the classroom, and served the community in multiple ways.

Pierce led the Purple Eagles to back-to-back WNIT trips in 2022-23 and 2023-24, and a berth in the MAAC Tournament championship game two years ago. Niagara had three major award winners with Aaliyah Parker winning MAAC Rookie of the Year in 2021-22, Maggie McIntyre being tabbed MAAC Sixth Player of the Year in 2019-20, and Victoria Rampado earning MAAC Player of the Year honors in 2017-18.
 

In recent years, the Purple Eagles were one of the best defensive teams in the country with the vaunted "Hurricane Havoc." In 2022-23, Niagara led the NCAA in steals per game while being second in turnover margin. During the 2021-22 season, the Purple Eagles led the nation in forced turnovers per game, and Angel Parker finished second in the nation in steals per game.
 

Niagara also excelled in the classroom during Pierce's time on Monteagle Ridge, with 28 student-athletes garnering MAAC All-Academic Team honors. Samantha Lapszynski and Rampado were named to the Division I-AAA Athletic Directors Association Scholar Athlete Teams in 2015-16 and 2017-18, respectively, while Maddy Yelle was an All-District All-Academic honoree in 2022-23.
 

Community engagement was also a hallmark of the women's basketball program under Pierce. Numerous community organizations and schools benefited from coaching staff and student-athlete visits. In addition, several causes were bolstered by promotions at women's basketball games throughout the years, a personal vision of Pierce.

"I know that the entire Niagara University community joins me in gratitude for the impact that Jada made while head coach of our women's basketball program," Gray said. "We wish her all the best in the next phase of her life."
 

A search for Niagara's next head women's basketball coach is underway.