LaShaunda Jones, Alabama A&M's first Southwestern Athletic Conference track champion, begins her fourth year as head coach of the Bulldogs' cross country and track and field programs,.
After graduating from A&M in 2001, she was a graduate assistant for the Bulldogs from 2001-02 and an assistant coach from 2002-05. Jones also has master's degrees from A&M and Alabama State.
"Coach Jones brings a wealth of experience as a coach and student-athlete," said Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks. "She succeeded in the classroom and on the track at Alabama A&M and as a coach.
"Her enthusiasm and knowledge of track and field will only enhance our ability to return the track program to the heights it had once achieved."
Jones, an honor student, was the team captain in 2001 and won the SWAC 60-meter indoor championship. She was also named Huntsville Athlete of the Year.
"I'm grateful to Mr. Hicks and (Alabama A&M President) Dr. (Andrew) Hugine for giving me the opportunity to come back home and build the program," Jones said. "I also thank my family and friends for their support while a student-athlete and during my career."
Jones was an assistant coach with the Alabama State men's and women's track and field teams for 11 seasons, including the 2015 SWAC champion women's team, before returning to The Hill in 2015.
At Alabama State, Jones was a part of 17 SWAC championships and has coached a SWAC MVP. She has also coached numerous Hornet record holders, SWAC indoor and outdoor individual champions and NCAA regional and national qualifiers, along with nationally ranked athletes and relay teams.
"I'm very excited about the future," Jones said. "I'm excited to see the group of student-athletes we have at Alabama A&M."
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