Twenty-three years after ending her tenure as the head coach of Santa Fe Community College’s women’s basketball team, Jackie Moore returns to Gainesville to take over one of the biggest roles in college sports.
The former Arizona State associate head coach was named Florida women’s basketball’s new assistant to the head coach Tuesday. Moore joins head coach Kelly Rae Finley’s staff as well as new assistant coach Tamisha Augustin who the Gators hired this past April.
"We are incredibly blessed to have Jackie join our staff," Finley said. "Her experience, knowledge of the game and passion for connecting people will make an immediate impact on our program.”
Moore’s impact shined at Arizona State, where she helped guide her team to six NCAA Tournament appearances and seven-straight seasons with at least 20 wins.
The Panama City, Florida, native is no stranger to assistant coaching. She has taken over assistant duties for the University of Massachusetts Minutewomen, Boston College Eagles, Miami Hurricanes and the University of Nevada Wolfpack.
Most notably, Moore’s time with Boston College saw the program’s first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance after a 22-9 record. UF knows exactly how important post season play is moving forward from last season’s Cinderella run.
Florida basketball's first season under Finley included its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2016. The Gators ended their season with a 21-11 record and an unprecedented 10-6 record in conference play that came after losing the first two games of conference play.
"Kelly's knowledge of the game, enthusiasm and ability to motivate and connect with her players was on full display last season,” Moore said. “I am looking forward to my partnership with Kelly while bringing my coaching experience to UF women's basketball to continue building a winning culture and tradition."
Along with her coaching experience at Santa Fe, Moore was also the Saints’ starting point guard for two years before she played for Armstrong State.
Moore’s return to Gainesville signals another move forward in the Finley era, as UF’s women’s basketball team looks to keep the momentum going into next year’s season.
Contact Brenda Bogle at bbogle@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @bogle_brenda.
Brenda Bogle is a UF journalism senior with a specialization in sports and media. She joined The Alligator in the Fall of 2021.
