FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Fort Valley State University Director of Athletics Daphnie Johnson has announced the hiring of LaToya Jones as the new head coach of the women's basketball program.

Coach Jones joins the Wildcats from Allen University, where she served as head coach. During her tenure, she led the team to historic milestones, including the program's first victory over Benedict College in 40 years and the most SIAC wins in school history. Prior to her time at Allen, she coached on the national stage with the Adidas PSB AAU Nationals and was the head coach at Olympic High School in Charlotte, N.C.

Jones began her collegiate head coaching career at Chowan University from 2016–2020, where she became the fastest coach in program history to reach 50 wins. She made an immediate impact nabbing the Co-Champions of the CIAA Northern Division for the first time in school history. She also tallied a 17-10 overall record that season. The following season, Chowan achieved a school-record 19 victories since joining NCAA Division II for the 2017-2018 year. Her student-athletes also excelled off the court, earning All-CIAA and CIAA All-Academic honors, while maintaining a 100% graduation rate during her tenure. 

Her coaching resume also includes NCAA Division I experience as an assistant coach at Division I UNC Greensboro from 2012–2016 and at her alma mater, Gardner-Webb University during 2010–2012. She began her coaching career as an assistant at Providence Day School from 2008–2010.

In addition to her coaching achievements, Jones brings a strong background in education, instruction, and athletic compliance.

A former NCAA Division I student-athlete, Jones played at Gardner-Webb University from 2003–2008, where she served as team captain and was awarded the Bobbie Holbrook Leadership award. Jones was a four time member of the Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic Team. During the 2006 season she was a pivotal part of the squads first Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament finals appearance. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Professional Development. She later earned a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Liberty University.

Details for an introductory press conference will be announced at a later date.