Wilberforce University Athletic Director Roosevelt Barnes has announced the hiring of Jaleesa Sams as the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
The Bulldogs didn’t have to look far for its new leader as Sams comes to the WU after a successful stint at HBCUAC West foe Rust College, where she revitalized the program.
Taking over a team with only six returning players, she rebuilt the roster and guided the Bearcats to the 2026 conference tournament championship and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament while developing multiple all-conference performers and the conference tournament MVP.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Sams to the Wilberforce family,” said Barnes. “Her success inside the HBCUAC was an attractive selling point. She has track record of building successful programs, developing student-athletes both on and off the court, and fostering a championship culture makes her an outstanding fit for our university and our vision for women’s basketball.”
Prior to her time at Rust College, Sams spent more than seven years as an assistant coach at North Carolina A&T State University, where she helped guide one of the most successful eras in program history. During her tenure, the Aggies captured four MEAC regular-season championships and three MEAC tournament titles, while making six postseason appearances – three NCAA Tournament bids. She also contributed to five 20-win seasons and helped develop numerous all-conference and postseason award recipients.
As a player, Sams was one of the most accomplished student-athletes in North Carolina A&T history. A two-time All-MEAC selection, she helped lead the Aggies to three consecutive MEAC regular-season championships, a conference tournament title, and appearances in both the NCAA Tournament and WNIT. She finished her careerranked among the program’s all-time leaders in both scoring and rebounding.
Sams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Science Fitness Management and a Master of Education from North Carolina A&T State University. Throughout her coaching career, she has emphasized academic accountability, player development, and building winning cultures that prepare student-athletes for success long after graduation. Her teams have consistently demonstrated excellence in the classroom, highlighted by a 100 percent graduation rate among student-athletes.
“As long as you keep God in everything that you do, nothing is impossible,” said Sams. “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the Wilberforce University women’s basketball program. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, recruiting talented young women who embrace our values, and competing for championships, representing the university with pride.”
Sams will begin her duties immediately and will oversee all aspects of the Bulldogs women’s basketball program, including recruiting, player development, academic success, and community engagement.
https://wilberforcebulldogs.com/sports/wbkb/2026-27/releases/20260615t51cqv
Tagged with: NAIA
