By Nick Veronica

Pierce

Niagara announced the hiring of women’s basketball coach Jada Pierce on Tuesday, replacing eight-year veteran Kendra Faustin, who left in early June for the same position at Division II Ferris State.

Pierce comes to NU from Atlantic 10 member St. Joseph’s, where she was an assistant coach. Pierce has 18 years of coaching experience, including head coaching experience at the Division II level, but this will be her first D-I head coaching job.

“She is incredibly well-connected in the basketball industry and has won everywhere she has been including making several NCAA Tournament appearances,” Niagara athletic director Simon Gray said in the press release. “She has handled all duties as a top Division I assistant, brings experience as a head coach and her positive energy is contagious. She will fit the Niagara University mission because of who she is as a person.”

Pierce played at D-II West Chester University until 1997. Niagara will introduce Pierce at a press conference in early July.