BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell University President Dr. William Downs and Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore have announced Ali Jaques as head women's basketball coach of the Fighting Camels.
 
With nearly three decades of Division I coaching experience, including nine seasons as head coach at Siena College, Jaques comes to Buies Creek after spending the previous two seasons as the associate head coach at Rhode Island, where the Rams won a program-record 28 games last year and qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
 
"I'm really pleased to welcome Ali Jaques as the new head coach of Women's Basketball at Campbell," said President Downs. "Coach Jaques has won a national championship as a player, and as a head coach she's tallied 116 victories. She's also a tremendous recruiter. Beyond the numbers, what impresses me most is her understanding of what we're trying to build here at Campbell…winning programs with high character student-athletes who represent our campus community with class and integrity. Our newest Fighting Camel will mobilize our fan base on so many levels with her energy, with her confidence, and with her authentic eagerness to be part of something special in Buies Creek. It's going to be an exciting new chapter!"

An introductory press conference is set for Wednesday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ali Jaques to Campbell as our next head women's basketball coach," said Bazemore. "Coach Jaques is a proven winner with a strong track record of developing women and student-athletes into leaders both on and off the court. Her vision, energy, and experience make her the ideal person to build upon the proud tradition of Campbell Women's Basketball. I can't wait for her to get started in The Creek!"
 
Jaques becomes the third head coach in the Camels' NCAA Division I era.
 
"This is an extremely exciting day!," said Jaques. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next head coach for Campbell University's Women's basketball program. This is a program rich in history and tradition, and our staff will work tirelessly to build on the strong foundation and standard set by those that came before us. From the moment I stepped on campus and had a chance to meet President Downs, Hannah Bazemore, and everyone else in the department, it became apparent what a special community of people we have here. I can't wait to build relationships with our current players and recruit some future student-athletes to add to the Campbell family."
 
Jaques served as associate head coach at Rhode Island under Tammi Reiss. The Rams won a program-record 28 games and were 14-1 at home in 2025-26. URI won the Atlantic 10 conference tournament and was an 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament, its first appearance in the national tournament in 30 years.
 
The Rams picked up eight postseason conference awards thanks to Jaques' tutelage. URI was represented in every A-10 All-Conference postseason award category for the first time in program history, bringing home first, second, third, defensive, rookie and academic team honorees.
 
Prior to Rhode Island, Jaques served as an associate head coach at George Washington and assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Seton Hall for one season apiece. During her time with the Pirates, the team went 19-15 overall and earned a bid to the 2023 WNIT. Jaques coached a pair of BIG EAST All-Conference players in Lauren Park-Lane (First Team) and Sidney Cooks (Second Team).
 
Jaques also brings prior head coaching experience to Buies Creek, serving as head coach of the Siena women's basketball team from 2012-21. Under her direction, the Saints advanced to the championship of the WBI in 2014-15 en route to the team's first winning season in 11 years.
Prior to her tenure as head coach at Siena, she was at Northwestern as associate head coach under Joe McKeown. She spent four years with the Wildcats after spending the 2006-08 seasons with McKeown at George Washington. In her two seasons at GW, the Buff & Blue went 55-11 and made consecutive appearances in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. GW was nationally ranked in both seasons, peaking at No. 8 in the AP Poll and No. 9 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll in February 2007.
Jaques has also been on staff at Dayton (2005-06), Furman (2002-05), Sacred Heart (1999-02) and Rider (1998-99).

Jaques is a 1998 graduate of New York University, where she was a member of the basketball and soccer teams and made the Dean's List all four years. Jaques led the Violets to the 1997 Division III National Championship, a 1996 Final Four appearance and two Sweet 16's. In her four years NYU posted a 101-15 (.871) record. A two-time Coach's Award recipient, she was named a UAA Honorable Mention All-Association selection during her senior season.

Jaques is married to Marc Rybczyk.
 
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COACH JAQUES
"I am thrilled Ali has been named the head coach of Campbell Women's Basketball. She was an integral part of our success at Rhode Island. Ali is completely committed to the student-athlete experience on and off the court. She is a relationship builder which enables her to recruit at the highest level. Ali is ready to lead her own program and I have no doubt she will turn Campbell into a championship program." Tammi Reis, former Rhode Island head coach, current Florida head coach
 
"Congratulations to Coach Jaques and Campbell! They are getting someone with a great work ethic, strong basketball background, and a relentless recruiting drive! Her commitment to the student-athlete concept will help Campbell compete both on the court and in the classroom!" Joe McKeown, former Northwestern head coach

"Kudos to Campbell on this smart hire! Coach Jaques is a proven winner, recruiter and talent evaluator who brings great knowledge, passion and commitment to this profession. Ali is a great role model for young women and will pour everything she has into this program! Campbell didn't get a good one, they got a great one!" Trish Fabbri, former Quinnipiac head coach
 
"Congratulations to both Ali Jaques and Campbell University on this outstanding partnership. It was a true honor to work with Ali during our time together at University of Rhode Island. She is a relentless worker and an exceptional developer of young women, both on and off the court. Ali's passion, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete success will make a tremendous impact on the Campbell community, and I look forward to watching the program thrive under her leadership." Thorr Bjorn, UMass Senior Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Administrative Officer, former URI Athletics Director
 
"Coach Jaques will bring years of experience at highly regarded Division I programs and her strong commitment to the student-athlete experience on the court and in the classroom to Campbell." Rich Ensor, former MAAC commissioner
 
"What a tremendous hire by Campbell University! Ali will build on the past success of the Campbell women's basketball program with unparalleled enthusiasm and passion! Congratulations!" Tony Bozzella, Seton Hall head coach
 
"Ali is the ultimate head coach - dedicated to her players, passionate about the game, and has a world of college coaching experience. She led her team to a national championship as a player, and she knows what it takes to win. Players will thrive under her leadership." Janice Quinn, NYU Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, former NYU head coach, coached Ali Jaques
 
"Coach Ali Jaques is a fantastic hire for Campbell Women's Basketball! Coach Jaques is a dedicated and hard-working leader, who focuses on the details that lead to winning. She's a player's coach — investing the time to understand her players, their strengths, and how to maximize those on the floor. Off the floor, she wants to build strong, confident women who will become leaders in our society. I look forward to witnessing the success of Campbell Women's Basketball under the leadership of Coach Jaques! Isis Young, former player at Siena, current women's basketball broadcast journalist
 
JAQUES COACHING TIMELINE
2024-26: Associate Head Coach, Rhode Island
2023-24: Associate Head Coach / Recruiting Coordinator, George Washington
2022-23: Recruiting Coordinator, Seton Hall
2012-21: Head Coach, Siena
2008-12: Associate Head Coach, Northwestern
2006-08: Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator, George Washington
2005-06: Assistant Coach, Dayton
2002-05: Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator, Furman
1999-02: First Assistant / Recruiting Coordinator, Sacred Heart
1998-99: Assistant Coach, Rider