As a Committed Community Leader & Career Coach, Jada Pierce embodies dedication and leadership, fostering transformational change on the court and throughout the community. As a coach, trainer, and speaker for equity and inclusion, Pierce thrives on the front lines promoting diversity and opportunity. Through her steadfast dedication to guiding emerging leaders and her unparalleled track record in collegiate coaching, Pierce exemplifies the power of compassion, grit, and perseverance.

As the current Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at Niagara University, Pierce has reshaped the program with her distinctive approach to leadership that empowers individuals and elevates teams. Her formidable 25-year career is underlined by inspiring accomplishments, such as transforming the Mid-Major into a winning Division I program, leading the team to its first postseason appearance, and coaching them to the most conference wins and single-season wins in program history.

Pierce embodies a deep-seated belief that challenges can be overcome and that equality is achievable. As a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association member and an Advisory Board Member for The Sports Bra Project, Pierce is increasing access to sports participation for emerging female athletes. And as a participant in the NCAA Black Coaches & Administrators Achieving Coaching Excellence Program and the Time Out for Black Lives conference initiative, Pierce is dedicated to progressing equality for Black and Brown people.

Beyond her coaching endeavors, Pierce is a staunch advocate for personal growth and authenticity. Her message resonates not only in her professional environment but also in her larger mission to close equity gaps and promote a culture of understanding and kindness. For Pierce, success starts with culture. She has consistently rallied teams around dedication, hard work, and selflessness to achieve goals.

Pierce has helped guide four programs to five NCAA Tournament berths. Before Niagara University, Pierce was an Assistant Coach at Saint Joseph’s University, West Point, Mount St. Mary’s, the University of Massachusetts, Marist, and the University of Delaware, among others. Her coaching career boasts 30 all-conference players, a Player of the Year, three Defensive Players of the Year, one Sixth Player of the Year, and 53 all-academic honorees, among other accolades. Two of her players have even progressed to play in the WNBA.

Pierce’s impressive academic background, including a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from West Chester University and a Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, has significantly influenced her coaching and leadership style. This rigorous education instilled in her the tenacity and strategic mindset she now applies to her coach-centric leadership style.

Pierce is a standout in her field, empowered by her resolve to advocate for equality and driven by her passion to elevate communities. As she navigates the road ahead, Pierce’s commitment to inspiring change and closing gaps for Black and Brown people remains steadfast. Her legacy is not just in her teams’ scores, but in the lives she’s transformed on and off the court. Pierce is indeed a beacon of resilience, inspiration, and action, championing change today for a more inclusive tomorrow.