A new era in ASU Women’s Tennis: Jamea Jackson takes the helm as head coach

Following Sheila McInerney’s retirement in May, athletic director Graham Rossini announced Jamea Jackson as the new head coach for Arizona State University’s Women’s Tennis program. McInerney served the team for 40 successful seasons, making her the “longest-tenured ASU coach in any sport.” 

Jackson voiced her excitement for the position, as well as hope for the upcoming season, during an interview this August. 

“No matter where you are in the sport, you always have your eye on those jobs that are special,” Jackson said. “ASU is certainly one of those jobs. There is something about the school and location that makes coaches come here, and they stay.” 

Jackson will transition to ASU following two seasons as the head coach of the Princeton women’s tennis team. While there, she was named the 2024 Coach of the Year during the Ivy League postseason awards. Before that role, Jackson worked as a national coach with the United States Tennis Association. 

Jackson spoke fondly about both experiences, remarking on how they refined her coaching style. 

“The USTA helped me define my teaching philosophy,” Jackson said. “It all ties back to the idea of building a great tennis player and, even more importantly, a great person. At Princeton, I learned so much from every experience that I had, be it working with the team as a whole, working with the assistant coaches, or working with players on an individual level.” 

Jackson is hopeful that both roles will translate well into the established culture developed by Coach McInerney. 

“I’ve become a stronger coach and stronger leader in both positions,” Jackson said. “I’m really looking forward to bringing that toolbox to ASU, a place that is so athletically successful. I know we can do amazing things.” 

That culture and driven mindset fostered by Coach McInerney are what initially attracted Jackson to the position at ASU. 

“I’ve known Sheila [Coach McInerney] since I was in my teens,” Jackson said. “She was here for 40 years. When they reached out to me for the position, I was extremely intrigued, because it is one of those lauded jobs in college tennis.” 

When asked how she plans to foster a sense of team culture and unity stepping into the role, Jackson responded with appreciation for the current status. 

“The first step is to do no harm and not wreck what has already been 40 years in the making,” Jackson said, referring to McInerney’s legacy at ASU. “The team is already super tight. If you can come together as a team in this sport, which is so individualistic in every other stage of the game, I think that’s an amazing advantage.” 

As for recruiting players moving forward, Jackson has two key elements she is looking for.

“On the court, I look for someone who is fundamentally sound,” Jackson said. “You want someone with a growth mindset, who is as mentally strong as possible because they will come up against new and exciting challenges.” 

“I want them to embrace that, take the bull by the horns and attack that obstacle. As a team member, I think everyone in college tennis is looking for character in their players. Our goal is to help these kids go on to become amazing women and citizens.” 

Jackson, above all, is excited for the community surrounding the program. 

“So far, every event we’ve had as a team feels like a family gathering,” Jackson said. “It’s a great environment. I’ve always enjoyed getting to know the players and the players’ families, and I look forward to doing that at ASU.” 

As far as establishing goals for the team this season, Jackson wants to first study how the team practices in person. 

“My goals are quite high, but they won’t be cemented for a few weeks,” Jackson said. “The thing about tennis is that you can watch film and study, but it is so different in person. I haven’t seen a few of the kids play, and I think I need more information before I can fairly set goals.” 

While engaging in the interview, Jackson wanted to make sure that alongside herself, the team was also adequately featured. 

“It’s amazing to come to a team and be the third coach ever, which speaks volumes about the program itself,” Jackson said. “But I think all of it comes back to the program and the players.” 

“I am looking forward to getting out there and getting to know the girls, the assistant coaches, and the tennis population in this town. This is an amazing place, and it’s an honor to be a part of it.”

To keep in touch with ASU Women’s Tennis for the upcoming season, refer to the team's website.