SFCC Lady Roadrunners add Jones to coaching staff

State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners Basketball has announced the addition of part-time Assistant Coach LaTice Jones. Jones, who is no stranger to the program, had a standout two-year career at State Fair where she was named First-Team All-Region 16 as a sophomore in 2009. Jones graduated with an associate degree in physical education while playing for current SFCC Athletic Director Darren Pannier and current Head Coach Kevin Bucher.

"I've always wanted to come back to State Fair," said Jones. "State Fair was a huge part of my life when I was here as a player. It helped me transition into a great basketball player and an even better student-athlete."

Jones' experience as a student-athlete and high school and college coach brings a new perspective to the team.

"Eleven years ago, I was in the same position that the current student-athletes are in now," said Jones. "I was just as scared as they are coming in. I can see the experience from both a student-athlete playing under Coach Bucher and now from a coach's perspective and give them some insight."

The Gary, Indiana native comes back to SFCC after owning and operating LMJ Basketball Training in Conroe, Texas, where Jones served as the skill development coach from June 2019 to the present. Jones taught the fundamentals of basketball while developing and mentoring athletes.

Jones also served as an assistant women's basketball coach at Louisiana State University, Eunice for the 2018-2019 season. Jones assisted with recruitment and retention, as well as player development and scouting. Jones also assisted with strength and conditioning and monitored academic progress to ensure degree completion and graduation.

Jones worked at the Lift For Life Academy in St. Louis from June 2015 to February 2018, where she served as Junior Varsity Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach. Jones helped improve performance by implementing strict weight training and conditioning regimen. Jones conducted practices and instructed student-athletes in game strategies and techniques. Jones also assisted with off of the court activities, including equipment inventory and public relations.

Jones spent two years (2014-2015) in the Blue Chip Basketball League for the Midwest Flyers and finished the 2016-2017 season as a trainer for the team.

With all of her success, Jones understands that the ultimate goal is for student-athletes to excel in the classroom, as well as on the court. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion/Wellness from Missouri Southern State University, a Division II school in Joplin, where she lettered for two years.

"I want to help to help our players graduate and push them to go on to four-year Division I programs," said Jones.

The Lady Roadrunners will begin their season in the spring 2021 semester due to COVID-19.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics