Jessica Garriga named women’s basketball head coach at William Carey

William Carey has announced its new head women’s basketball coach, and it’s a face that is quite familiar here on the Coast.

Jessica Garriga was officially introduced as the next head coach of the Lady Crusaders on Wednesday afternoon.

The Kiln native played two seasons at WCU and has served as an assistant on its coaching staff for the past nine years. She’s also a basketball legend at Hancock High School, where she holds the record for most career points and had her jersey retired in 2014.

Garriga is far from the only Hancock alum to play in Clinton Gymnasium: four former Hawks currently play for William Carey, including her daughter, Jenna.

The new coach shared what Hancock County means to her and the program.

“You know, it’s funny, because sometimes people say, ‘Are you doing Hancock County a favor, or is Hancock County doing you a favor?'” Garriga said. “I’m always like, ‘You know, it works both ways and those kids have come in and all had an impact on our program.’ Hancock County is really underrated in a lot of way, I mean, they’ve probably only lost seven or eight games in the past two or three years and they’re up there with the best in the business. Whenever these kids are on our team, most of them are Mississippi Alabama All-Stars, and that’s proving themselves in the ranks as well. It’s really exciting and unique coming from Hancock County, that we also have players from Hancock County, and it’s just been a God thing that my daughter’s been able to play, and that’s also been a unique experience, so lots of excitement.”

Jenna also explained what playing under her mother means to her.

“It’s just going to be an adjustment, but I’m excited,” Jenna said. “It’s really awesome, all that we’ve been able to accomplish just in the two years that I’ve been here. It’s been some really incredible moments with this team and then also being able to share that with my mom but also my coach.”