After nearly three months of searching the Agnes Scott College women’s basketball program has a new leader. Reggie Blackmon has been named the head women’s basketball coach after a nationwide search for a replacement—effective June 1, 2020—as announced by Dr. Markesha M. Henderson, director of athletics at Agnes Scott.
Blackmon becomes the 12th head coach for the Scotties in the NCAA era.
“After a very competitive search, Coach Blackmon emerged as the right person to take the reins of a basketball program ready for new energy,” stated Henderson. “He is an expert recruiter with a firm grasp of the Division III philosophy to attract the unique student-athlete that Agnes Scott College requires to be competitive.”
“I am excited to work with these great young women on the basketball team and build relationships with the athletic department staff,” said Blackmon on his appointment.
Blackmon heads to the majestic city campus after spending the previous two years as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va. There, Blackmon directed the Eagles’ defensive effort which yielded a reputation of unit no one in the ODAC wanted to see on a nightly basis. Under Blackmon’s tutelage, Madison Baum earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the ODAC while the Eagles earned their highest conference tournament seeding since the 2010-11 season.
A hard-working tenacity is something Blackmon hopes to bring to all facets of the program.
“On the court, we are going to play an up-tempo style on offense and a tough defensive team,” said Blackmon. “Off the court, I want to help these young women be successful in the classroom and to help them continue to grow as Agnes Scott Scotties.”
Prior to his two seasons in Bridgewater, Blackmon served as the assistant women’s basketball coach at McDaniel College in Maryland. In his five seasons with the Green Terror, Blackmon helped lead the program to two conference championships and an NCAA tournament appearance.
The seasoned coach also spent 14 years developing his craft in the high school ranks, much of it coming in the DMV metro area.
Blackmon is a graduate of Howard University, where he played basketball and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Blackmon appeared in 35 games for the Bison, spanning two seasons. He also holds a master’s degree in exercise science and physical education from McDaniel.
The family ties to basketball run deep in Blackmon’s life with his brother and cousin both having extended stays in the NBA as players and assistant coaches. Blackmon’s nephew, Nolan Smith, was the 2011 ACC Player of the Year as a senior at Duke University.
Blackmon was grateful for the opportunity for his first collegiate head coaching role, one he feels readily prepared for after his years of experience in a Division III setting.
“I would like to thank the players, Vice President Karen Goff, Dr. Henderson, and the search committee for this great opportunity,” finished Blackmon. “I would like to give a special thank you to my friend and biggest fan, Captain Kristen Moe for her love and support of my basketball career. Let’s go Scotties.”
“Our returning athletes and incoming recruits are excited about a new era,” Henderson added. “Coach Blackmon has all the characteristics you want in a leader when you are building a championship program.”
Agnes Scott is scheduled to host its third annual ASC Tip-Off Classic on Friday, November 6, 2020.
Photo Courtesy Agnes Scott Athletics
https://ascscotties.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/releases/20200515qe08yt
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