Former NCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Champion Jade Perry has been named the next head coach of the SUNY Canton women's basketball program and will enter her first season at the helm during the 2016-17 academic year.
"Jade has proven she can win at all levels," Athletic Director Randy B. Sieminski said. "She has competed with and against the best players in the world. We look forward to her bringing those experiences and qualities to SUNY Canton and building a program that mirrors her level of commitment, dedication and success."
Perry comes to Canton following two years as an assistant coach at Division III Albright College in Pennsylvania. The Lions posted a record of 48-11 in Perry's two seasons on the bench after going 46-77 from 2010-2014.
Albright boasted a 27-3 record during the 2015-16 season winning its first-ever MAC Commonwealth title, which culminated in a trip to the NCAA Tournament where they earned a pair of wins reaching the Sweet Sixteen.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head coach at SUNY Canton. I am extremely thankful to
Randy Sieminski for this opportunity to lead the women's basketball program," Perry said. "I have been fortunate during my coaching career to have people surrounding me that have provided incredible support. I am grateful to everyone who has played a role in my development as a person and as a coach."
The University of Maryland standout replaces
Bruce Tallon, who is stepping aside after guiding the Roos during the past 12 years.
"We cannot thank Bruce enough for his years of outstanding service to SUNY Canton," said Sieminski. "Before he took over, women's basketball had lost nearly 50 straight games and went without a win for two consecutive seasons. Bruce came on board and in his third season was 23-5. We will miss seeing him every day, but he has promised to stay involved with SUNY Canton, and we very much look forward to that."
Prior to her time at Albright, Perry spent the 2013-14 season as a graduate assistant at Midland University, a NAIA school located in Fremont, Nebraska.
The Central City, Kentucky native was a key contributor at the University of Maryland from 2004-08 under the direction of Head Coach Brenda Frese.
"Jade played a big role in helping transform Albright College's team into a national D-III powerhouse," Sieminski added. "She knows what it takes to build a top NCAA program, recruit outstanding student-athletes and mentor them to become successful both on and off the court. "She helped lead Maryland to its first-ever National Championship in 2006 when the Terps topped rival Duke 78-75 in overtime in Boston, Massachusetts.
During her four-year career, Perry played in 139 games and scored over 600 points and grabbed over 700 rebounds. She was a 72.8 percent career free throw shooter. Three of her former teammates are currently playing in the WNBA.
"I played at the University of Maryland where we won a National Championship, and coached at Albright College where we advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament last year," Perry noted. "I understand what it takes to be successful as both a player and a coach. I am excited to have the opportunity to share my experiences with the student-athletes at SUNY Canton."
Perry was a three-time All-America selection at Muhlenburg North High School in Kentucky where she is the all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks.
