HOUSTON — Tomekia Reed, a name synonymous with success in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), has made a significant move in her career. In the 2023-24 season, she led her team to another undefeated SWAC regular season, a tournament title, and her third visit to the NCAA. Her achievements speak volumes about her coaching prowess. On Thursday, it was announced that Reed had accepted the position of head coach of the UNC Charlotte 49ers, marking a new chapter in her career.
Tomekia Reed is headed to @CharlotteWBB as the next women’s basketball head coach. @CoachTReed @hbculegends pic.twitter.com/2XvUUIELJ6
— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 25, 2024
The Charlotte Business Journal reported in 2023 that former UNC Charlotte coach Cara Consuegra earned $269,100.00 annually. She was the second-highest-paid coach in the UNC Charlotte athletic department. When she began her tenure with the 49ers, Consuegra earned a base salary of $165,000 per year plus incentives. Thus, at this point, Reed’s base salary should be approximately at or over the $200K range.
Reed was underpaid at Jackson State University. It needs to be clarified whether the school or Reed was the one who didn’t agree to an extended contract.
Coach Reed’s Farewell… pic.twitter.com/cxvbL8y7OA
— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 26, 2024
Nevertheless, Reed is now the 49ers’ new leader and has an opportunity to write a new chapter for her career. She will work with a program with more resources and better facilities and is connected with a passionate fanbase in one of the country’s best regions for basketball.
Although many would have appreciated Reed to remain with an HBCU, would it have made sense for her at this stage in the career she’s built? Charlotte’s athletic director, Mike Hill, knows how to raise funds for the athletic department. Consider the fact Hill ran a campaign to raise $100 million for the new Jerry Richardson football stadium and facilities.
Coach Reed’s departure from the HBCU sports landscape should be applauded. The dynamo coach is blazing a trail for the coaches who will follow in her pioneering footsteps. She may not be the first HBCU coach to leave and become a success at the next level—i.e., C. Vivian Stringer—but, knowing Tomekia Reed’s heart, she’ll make sure she’s not the last.
