Carswell Set to Lead Statesmen Women's Basketball Program

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – Jolee Carswell, has been named the new Head Women's Basketball Coach at Richard Bland College of William & Mary. The announcement came from Scott Newton, Director of Student Life & Athletics.

Carswell brings an impressive basketball resume to Richard Bland, both as a player and coach. Her playing career includes a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Region 16 Championship at Mineral Area Community College, in Park Hills, Missouri. That season she led the team in 3-point shooting percentage and field goal shooting percentage. During her junior year, she helped lead her NCAA Division III University of Texas at Tyler team in an appearance at the ASC Tournament. Carswell played in all 24 games her senior year, averaging .371 from the field, .409 at the perimeter, and .500 from the charity stripe, as the team transitioned into a NCAA Division II level program.

"We are excited to have Coach Carswell take over the Women's Basketball program at Richard Bland. As soon as she stepped on campus for the interview, she left an impression with the players and staff. Her winning mentality and ability to connect with the players will lay the foundation for instant success," says Athletic Director Newton.

"I am honored and grateful to accept the Head Women's Basketball Coach position at Richard Bland College. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to God for this incredible opportunity to lead this program and make a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes," says Carswell.

The Millsap, Texas native arrives at RBC from Fort Scott Community College where she began as an assistant coach prior to taking over the program. Under Carswell's leadership, the program has been developed from the ground up, recruiting 10+ student-athletes in both years. Before her stint at Fort Scott Community College, Carswell was an assistant coach at Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, Colorado, a student assistant coach at University of Texas at Tyler, and worked within the APEC training facility developing athletic performance and strength training programs and services for youths and adults.

"I aim to build a culture of excellence, teamwork, and accountability that will inspire our student-athletes to be their best. I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. I look forward to working with the staff, the administration, and the community to achieve our goals and continue this program's success."

Carswell is a 2017 graduate of Mineral Area Community College where earned her Associate's Degree. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from University of Texas at Tyler in 2020. She is currently on track to complete her Master's Degree at Hardin Simmons University this year.

The Statesmen will begin their third season during the 2024-25 academic year.