Edward Waters University has solidified the future of its rapidly rising women’s basketball program, announcing a three-year contract extension for head coach Eric Jackson, Jr. following a historic 2025–26 campaign.
Jackson, who quickly transformed the Lady Tigers into a powerhouse within the SIAC, guided Edward Waters to a remarkable season that included a SIAC Regular Season Championship. The Lady Tigers finished the year with an impressive 23-6 overall record, including a dominant 21-3 mark in conference play.
The milestone season also saw Edward Waters reach the NCAA Division II South Regional Tournament for the first time in program history, another testament to the program’s rapid ascent under Jackson’s leadership.
In just two seasons at the helm, Jackson has compiled a 39-15 overall record and a 33-10 mark in SIAC competition, establishing a winning culture and a standard of excellence. His impact has been immediate and far-reaching, elevating the Lady Tigers into one of the premier programs in the conference during the university’s early years of full NCAA Division II membership.
“Coach Jackson has set the standard for what it means to build a championship program the right way—through discipline, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to our student-athletes,” said Ashley Conner, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “What we witnessed this season was not just success on the court, but the continued elevation of our entire athletics department. The future of Edward Waters women’s basketball is incredibly bright, and this extension reflects our full confidence in his vision, his leadership, and the culture he continues to build.”
Central to that success has been a culture-driven approach built on accountability, cohesion, and player development. Under Jackson’s guidance, the Lady Tigers have not only excelled in the win column but have also become one of the most dominant defensive teams in the nation.
Edward Waters currently ranks among the elite across NCAA Division II, allowing just 49.4 points per game. The Lady Tigers have held opponents under 50 points in nine of their last 10 contests, showcasing a relentless defensive identity. Opponents are shooting just 32.0 percent from the field and a staggering 22.5 percent from beyond the arc—ranking second and first nationally in those categories, respectively.
That defensive intensity has become the foundation of the program, defined by discipline, communication, and physicality in every possession.
“With great success comes even greater responsibility, and I’m grateful for the continued trust and support from our administration,” said Jackson. “Our mission remains the same—developing young women on and off the court while competing at the highest level. This is just the beginning for Edward Waters women’s basketball, and we are ready to keep building something special.”
With the extension, Edward Waters ensures continuity and continued growth under Jackson’s leadership as the Lady Tigers look to build on their historic success and compete for championships at the highest level.
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