Jacksonville State University has appointed Ricky Austin as the new head coach of its women's basketball program. He succeeds Rick Pietri, who retired after a successful tenure. Austin, known for his remarkable track record in Alabama high school basketball, brings over 1,000 wins and multiple state championships, including three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2025. His strong family ties to Jax State, with a legacy built by his wife and sister-in-law, enhance his commitment to the program. Austin aims to invest in student-athletes and foster a championship culture.

By the Numbers
  • Over 1,000 career victories in high school basketball.
  • Three consecutive state championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
  • 17 Final Four appearances throughout his coaching career.
Yes, But

Despite his accomplishments, Austin faces challenges transitioning from high school to college coaching, including the need to adapt to evolving collegiate recruiting dynamics and higher competitive standards.

State of Play
  • An introductory press conference is set for March 31 at 3 p.m. at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
  • Austin is expected to leverage his experience in grassroots basketball for recruiting and player development.
What's Next

Austin's immediate goals include establishing a strong team culture and building relationships with existing players. Long-term, he aims to enhance the program's competitiveness and pursue championship titles.

Bottom Line

Ricky Austin鈥檚 hiring symbolizes a fresh yet legacy-rich direction for Jax State鈥檚 women's basketball program, blending family heritage with a focus on developing a strong, winning culture.