North Carolina head women’s basketball coach Courtney Banghart has completed her coaching staff with the hiring of Charlotte associate head coach Joanne Aluka-White.
Aluka-White, who spent seven seasons with the 49ers, will serve as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels.
“We are all thrilled to be adding Joanne to the Carolina family,” Banghart said. “She is one of the most respected coaches in the country, known by many for her work ethic, loyalty, and authentic relationships built with players and coaches. She has spent the past seven years in North Carolina and is known regionally to be a builder of relationships and a trusted and loyal coach and teammate.
“Joanne will be integral to all aspects of the program. Her voice, experience, passion, and perspective will be relied on daily. I’ve known and respected Joanne for many years, but I feel so fortunate to now share a sideline with her. The Carolina Family just got better. Welcome aboard, Joanne!”
Aluka-White was the associate head coach on the Charlotte women’s basketball staff for the last two seasons, receiving the promotion before the 2017-18 campaign after serving previously as an assistant coach for the 49ers. She played a vital role on head coach Cara Consuegra’s staff, overseeing the development of the post players.
“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to work for such a legendary university like North Carolina,” said Aluka-White. “UNC is so rich with tradition and success in the classroom and on the basketball court. Courtney Banghart is a dynamic coach who is a proven winner and leader that is committed to the total development of her student-athletes while forming genuine relationships and I’m thankful for the amazing opportunity to assist her on this new journey.
“I also want to thank Cara Consuegra and my Charlotte family for providing me with beautiful experiences and valuable growth opportunities over the last seven years. I’m thrilled about the future of UNC women’s basketball led by Coach Banghart, and my family and I are excited to join Tar Heel Nation!”
Aluka-White has participated in several professional development and coaching seminars through the years, most recently the inaugural Next Chair event on the Charlotte campus in May 2019. She also has been selected for the NCAA Minority Coaches Forum for Basketball in Charlottesville, Virginia during the 2017 and 2018 springs. In June 2013, she was chosen to attend the Achieving Coaching Excellence (ACE) program, which is designed for minority coaches. It was funded by the NCAA and the Advocates for Athletic Equity (AAE).
Prior to coming to Charlotte, Aluka-White spent from 2006-07 through 2011-12, as an assistant coach at FIU. During her six years with the Panthers, the program reached the 2011 and 2012 Sun Belt Tournament semifinals and earned an at-large bid to the postseason, competing in the WNIT for the first time since 2005-06. It capped the school’s first 20-win campaign in the last 10 years and their second-straight 10-win Sun Belt record.
Aluka-White was a successful collegiate basketball player at Middle Tennessee State. She tallied over 1,000 career points from 1998-2002 and earned Ohio Valley Freshman of the Year accolades. She was voted team captain and helped the Blue Raiders capture an OVC Tournament championship, one bid to the NCAA Tournament and two WNIT berths.
The culmination of her playing career came with her selection to the Nigerian national team and a trip to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Nigeria won the first Olympic game in the country’s history. She also saw playing time professionally in Europe prior to the Olympics, and while in Portugal, she led her team to the 2004 National Cup final.
Her playing career continued after the Olympics, when she returned stateside and suited up for the NWBL’s Dallas Fury. She was coached in the league by hall of famer Nancy Lieberman.
The Augusta, Georgia, native graduated from Middle Tennessee in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. She stayed in Murfreesboro to complete her master’s degree in 2003 in health and human performance with a concentration in sport management.
Aluka-White and her husband Fred White are the parents of twins Daniel and Gabrielle.
