News
SMC Begins Search for New Women’s Basketball Coach
Published on May 28, 2025 - 9 a.m.
Southwestern Michigan College announced today that it is conducting a nationwide search for a new full-time head coach to lead its women’s basketball program for the 2025-2026 season and beyond.
Current coach Jay Jenkins notified SMC administration on Sunday that he is leaving the college to pursue other coaching opportunities. During his two season at SMC, Jenkins compiled an overall record of 48-15.
"I feel very blessed to have been associated with SMC,” he wrote. “I am greatly appreciative of former President Odenwald for the opportunity. This wasn’t an easy decision and I am grateful for the rewarding employment and lessons learned at SMC. I pray you, the administrative team, the students and the athletic department have continued success.”
“We are grateful to Coach J for guiding the program these past two years,” said Athletic Director Rodell Davis. “We had an amazing run, including two berths in the Great Lakes District Tournament, a district championship, and a trip to the national tournament in Missouri. We all wish Coach the best in his personal and professional future and look forward to watching his career growth.”
Jenkins and Davis spoke late Tuesday with the current members of the team and new recruits to explain the situation and assure them of SMC’s firm commitment to finding a quality coach as soon as possible to lead the program.
In Jenkins' first season as coach and the program's second year back in intercollegiate competition after a 26-year hiatus, the 2023-2024 squad won the MCCAA Western Conference. The team then won the Great Lakes District B Tournament, earning a berth at the NJCAA National Championship in Joplin, Missouri, where they went 1-1, finishing the season at 27-5.
The 2024-2025 season ended in the District Semifinals with a 21-10 overall record. The Roadrunners were 9-5 in the Western Conference and fiercely defended home court, going 13-2 in the 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse. SMC set numerous school records along the way, including Team 2PT FG Made – Game (42), Team 3PT % - Game (61.5%), Team FT Made – Game (27), Team FT % - Game (27-30, 90.0%), Team Blocks – Game (6), Team Steals – Game (35) and Team Steals – Season (450).
