Akilah Bathel joins Sade Jackson's staff for the start of the 2025–26 season.
Bethel brings a wealth of high-level experience as both a player and coach, with a background that also includes expertise in logistics, marketing, and digital content.
Her coaching experience includes working with the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, where she created player development and scouting videos. She also served as an assistant coach for Team Melo's women's basketball program, where she was responsible for defensive coordination and scheme development.
On the professional level, Bethel is among a select group of women to have played for the Harlem Globetrotters. She also enjoyed a nine-year professional playing career overseas, with stops in Luxembourg, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Turkey. While in Luxembourg, she also served as a coach for the U-18 women's national team.
Bethel earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration from Louisiana State University, after beginning her collegiate career at West Virginia University, where she studied Communications.
Her career accolades include:
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2021 MVP, BSNF Puerto Rico League
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Big East All-Academic Team
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Big 12 All-Academic Team
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SEC All-Community Service Team
She is also the founder of The Bethel League, based in Baltimore, Maryland. The league is designed to promote and empower young women in the DMV community and operates as a certified NCAA summer basketball league.
A Baltimore, Maryland native, Bethel brings a dynamic and diverse background that will be a major asset to the program.
