Jones named WSSU head track coach
The Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) cross-country and track & field programs will enter a new era with the Friday, July 20, announcement of KayMarie Jones as the new cross-country/track & field head coach, WSSU says. Armed with enthusiasm and quality experience, Jones is well-prepared to take the reins of one of the top track & field programs in the Atlantic region.
“I share the university’s commitment to prepare our students to enter to learn and depart to serve,” Jones said. “With this in mind, I will develop my student-athletes to grow physically, mentally and professionally while also competing at the highest level. I am grateful and humbled to work within the Department of Athletics at Winston-Salem State University and meeting the rest of my new Ramily.”
Jones heads to Winston-Salem State after three years as an assistant coach at New Mexico Highlands University. She served as an assistant coach with the Cowgirls. During her tenure with the program, she helped the program to finish ranked seventh in the nation last season with eight All-Americans. The team also won a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Championship where her student-athletes swept the women’s triple jump and won the women’s 200m dash, long jump, and the 4 x100m relay. For her efforts, Jones was honored as the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) South Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year.
“I would like to thank [NMHU Athletics Director] Craig Snow, [NMHU Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach] Bob DeVries, and the New Mexico Highlands family for their care and support during my time with the Cowgirls,” Jones added. “It is through their guidance and support that I now have the opportunity to embark on this new journey as the head coach at Winston-Salem State University and I am truly excited to lead our Rams to a successful future.”
Prior to joining the coaching staff at New Mexico Highlands, Jones served as a volunteer coach at Clemson University as well as coaching stints at Adams State and Wingate University. She is a 2013 graduate of Adams State University and she holds a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Adams State (2014) as well.
Jones and the Rams will make their cross-country season debut at the Chick-fil-A Invitational hosted by Catawba University on Saturday, Sept. 1.
