Brooklyn College Athletics

Brooklyn, NY----Announced by Brooklyn College Director of Athletics, Erik Smiles, Akilah James has been appointed as the new Head Coach for the BC Women's Tennis program.  Most recently serving as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arizona, the Brooklyn native takes over a program that went 2-3 in CUNYAC play last season and made an appearance in the conference championship semifinals.

"Akilah's experience and success as a professional tennis player combined with her time as a player and assistant coach at the University of Arizona plus her Brooklyn roots made her a perfect fit to lead our women's tennis program," Smiles would explain.  "I was really impressed with her thoughts on developing student- athletes as both tennis players and people. She discussed her enthusiasm for giving back to the student-athletes and imparting her knowledge of tennis and life to them."
 
Returning to the college ranks since last serving as an Assistant Coach at Division I University of Arizona, James helped guide the 2022-23 Wildcats to a 17-13 overall mark and a victory in the PAC-12 Championship Tournament. 

"It brings me so much joy to think about being part of this program's growth and supporting our young women as they navigate their journey toward reaching their goals," a thrilled James would comment.  "The thought of stepping back into the welcoming and lively atmosphere of Brooklyn fills me with heartfelt anticipation and warmth! Let's go Bulldogs!"

Prior to returning to her alma mater to begin her collegiate coaching journey, James enjoyed a professional tennis career following her graduation from Arizona in 2014.  During her pro run, she reached a ranking as high as 678 in the world in singles on the WTA Tour also playing the Pan American Games in Peru.
 
A standout for the Wildcats as a senior, James recorded 12-7 singles and 17-4 doubles marks. She received the ITA Most Improved Senior of the Year Award in 2014 and the Cissie Leary Sportsmanship Award for the Southwest region in 2013.   She transferred to Arizona after two years at Division I South Carolina State University.