Jackson Free Press

Sept. 28, 2011

Jackson State University Athletics Department has named Larry McNeil as its interim women's basketball coach for the upcoming basketball season. In 2012, Jackson State will begin a national search for a full-time basketball coach. In the meantime, McNeil will lead the team for the 2011-2012 season.

McNeil previously was the assistant coach from 2001-2008 and helped the Lady Tigers win the SWAC titles in 2002-03 and 2003-04. After leaving a season as assistant coach at North Texas, McNeil is back with the Lady Tigers, ready to help them win more titles.

"I'm very excited to be back at Jackson State," said McNeil, who helped the team appear three times in the WNIT. "I have always said that Jackson State women's basketball is a sleeping giant and now it's time to awaken that giant."

In 1989-1992, McNeil served in the United States Army Reserve and was promoted to Staff Sergeant during the Desert Storm.

He has over 15 years of collegiate experience, having coached at schools such as Northeastern Illinois University, Talledega College and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He coached Amie Williams, who was the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons and a first-team all-conference player.

"A successful season for me would be a 12-6 conference record, because the bonding period that has to occur will take approximately a month. The team has to get to know me and I have to get to know them and they have to know how I want things done," the interim coach said.

"It is a pleasure to bring Coach McNeil in to guide our women's basketball team," Dr. Vivian L. Fuller, JSU's Director of Athletics said.

He is married to Gloria and has three sons, Antonio, Jonathan and Marco.