Garden City, N.Y. — Head coach Sade Jackson has added former overseas professional Akilah Bethel to her coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 season, the program announced this week.

Bethel comes to Garden City with nine years of combined playing and coaching experience around the world. A 2016 graduate of Louisiana State University, she went on to play professionally overseas in Luxembourg, Puerto Rico, Australia, Turkey, and Spain.

"We are looking forward to the energy and unique playing experience that Coach Ki will bring to our program," said Head Coach Sade Jackson. "It's not every day that you get the opportunity to add a professional player to [your] staff, so we are excited for what the future holds."

Her previous coaching experience includes serving as an assistant coach for Team Melo's women's basketball team, participating in the NBA's Coaching Development Program, and founding her own summer professional basketball league. Bethel specializes in player development and scouting, with a focus on defensive schemes and coordination.

"I believe my experience coaching and playing professionally overseas will bring a unique perspective to our basketball program. My intense competitive nature and passion for the game will, I hope, inspire and motivate our young women to reach their full potential," Bethel said.

Bethel will make her coaching debut with the Panthers on Monday, Nov. 3, at the University of Fordham in an exhibition game set to tip off at 6 p.m.