LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University women's basketball head coach Keila Whittington has announced the hiring of assistant coach Dexter Jenkins, director of basketball operations Adrianna Dowdy and graduate assistant Zhaque Gray to round out the 2022-23 coaching staff.
 
"I am pleased to round out my staff with three great people," said Whittington. "As we continue to build our program to compete consistently for NEC Championships, it is important to surround yourself with people who share your vision and want to help in any way to achieve your goals."
 
Jenkins joins Saint Francis after he spent four seasons at NCAA Division II member Winston-Salem as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. He spent the 2017-18 season in the same role at NAIA member Northwestern Ohio. At both colleges, Jenkins handled guard development, recruitment of student-athletes, assisted with strength and conditioning and scouted future opponents, amongst other responsibilities.
 
He began his coaching career at NCAA Division I member North Carolina Central, where he worked up through the staff from graduate assistant to director of operations across a four-year period. He spent his final two seasons in the director of operations role, where he assisted with academics, campus recruiting, community service and all aspects of team travel. His first season in college athletics was in 2013-14.
 
Jenkins attended North Carolina Central where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management and Master of Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Administration.
 
"Dexter brings quality experience from many different coaching opportunities. He has worked his way up in the coaching world and is ready to assist with the overall needs of the program," said Whittington. "Sharing his love for helping people through coaching will be seen and felt each day he comes to work. He will coach our wings and assist with recruiting, scouting, mentoring our players, and practice and game plan preparation."
 
Dowdy began her coaching career as a graduate assistant in August 2019 for NCAA Division I member Incarnate Word. With the Cardinals, she assisted with organizing practices, following all NCAA compliance rules and with the post players. She was on a coaching staff that helped Incarnate Word win the Southland Conference and earn its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
She earned her Master of Business Administration from Incarnate Word in May 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Becker College, where she played softball and was a NECC Champion her freshman year.
 
"Adrianna has seen the hard work and commitment it takes to win a championship after her time at Incarnate Word," said Whittington. "She has a strong work ethic and will be in charge of team travel, equipment, camps and clinics, and other administrative duties."
 
Gray brings professional and high-level NCAA playing experience to Saint Francis' coaching staff as a graduate assistant. She played one season in Europe where she was a German Champion in 2013. She played collegiate basketball at Penn State from 2008-12, where she was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and finished her career seventh in program history with 149 three-point field goals made. She was a 2012 Big Ten Champion and the team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.
 
"Zhaque 'Zha Zha' brings a high level of knowledge as a successful Big Ten basketball player," said Whittington. "She will be able to talk to our players about what it means to compete and play your best every time you step on the court. She will serve as a graduate assistant manager."
 
Jenkins, Dowdy and Gray round out Whittington's coaching staff, joining assistant coaches Tiffany Conner and Brooke LeMar and graduate assistant Deja Ford ahead of the 2022-23 season.