Jackson State University’s women’s basketball team is pleased to announce the acquisition of three new versatile players for the impending 2024-25 season. These three eager transfers include Rakisha Ballinger, Ruthie Mbugua, and Zoe Cooper, all of whom have exhibited great potential in their previous teams.
Rakisha Ballinger, a 5-foot-8 guard, has showcased her formidable defensive abilities by leading the Seahawks in steals with an impressive average of 2.5 per game during her tenure at Wagner College. In her junior year, she achieved a personal best of 15 points against Saint Francis, maintaining an average of 8.7 points per game.
Zoe Cooper, a 5-foot-11 forward, brings a wealth of experience from her four-year stint at New Orleans. Her notable performance includes a 16-point game against Houston Christian. Throughout her time at New Orleans, Cooper started in 98 games, averaging 27.9 minutes and 3.4 points.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Ruthie Mbugua is a commanding presence on the court. Joining from Carson-Newman, she brings height and solid defense to the team, demonstrating an average of one blocked shot per game during her time at Carson-Newman. Despite limited playing time in the 2023-24 season, with only 18 games and an average of 5.6 minutes per game, Mbugua has the potential to make a significant impact for JSU.
Margaret Richards, the newly appointed head coach for Jackson State women’s basketball, has been actively recruiting promising talents for the team. Richards, who assumed coaching responsibilities in May, replaced the former coach, Tomekia Reed, who moved on to lead at Charlotte.
In addition to the latest trio of transfers, Richards has also secured commitments from Arianna Durrell, Zaria Glover, Tierney Kelsey, Kristina Ekofo Yomane, Diaka Berete, and Jaileyah Cotton. Previously, Richards spent eight seasons (2016-24) coaching at Alabama A&M, accumulating an overall record of 97-125 and 69-70 in the SWAC.
The addition of Ballinger, Cooper, and Mbugua, along with the existing group of committed players, signals a positive outlook for the JSU women’s basketball team. With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, the team under Margaret Richards is poised to display their resilience, tenacity, and exceptional skills on the court.