New Voices, One Goal: North Carolina Women’s Basketball Unveils Revamped Coaching Staff
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In a strategic move designed to propel the program to the upper echelon of collegiate basketball, University of North Carolina head women’s basketball coach Courtney Banghart officially announced today the hiring of three new assistant coaches: a trio of dynamic recruiters, skilled developers, and proven winners who will join the Tar Heel sidelines. The new hires—Jonathan Tsipis, Itoro Coleman, and Joanna Haggard—represent a significant investment in experience, versatility, and championship pedigree as Carolina aims to build upon its recent success.
The restructuring of the coaching staff follows the off-season departures of several assistants, presenting Banghart with an opportunity to curate a group that aligns with her vision for the program’s future. The new additions bring a combined wealth of knowledge from nearly six decades of coaching experience across every level of the game.
A Leader with Head Coaching Acumen: Jonathan Tsipis
The most seasoned addition to the staff is Jonathan Tsipis, who brings a rare perspective as a former Power 5 head coach. Tsipis spent the last seven seasons at the helm of the Wisconsin Badgers program, where he was tasked with a massive rebuild. Prior to that, he engineered a remarkable turnaround at George Washington University, compiling a 126-38 record, winning two Atlantic 10 Tournament titles, and making four postseason appearances in five seasons.
“Jonathan is a basketball savant with an incredible mind for the game,” said Banghart. “His experience as a head coach is invaluable. He understands the big picture—from roster construction and scouting to game management—and he will be a tremendous resource for our players and our entire staff. His proven ability to develop talent and his strategic approach will immediately elevate our program.”
Tsipis, known for his offensive ingenuity and player development skills, also boasts a championship pedigree from his time as an assistant under Muffet McGraw at Notre Dame, where he helped guide the Fighting Irish to multiple Final Fours.
A Tar Heel Legend Returns: Itoro Coleman
In a move sure to energize the Carolina faithful, Itoro Coleman makes a triumphant return to Chapel Hill. A standout point guard for the Tar Heels from 1996-2000, Coleman was a two-time team captain and a key contributor on some of the most successful teams in program history. She brings over 15 years of coaching experience, including head coaching roles at Clemson and most recently as an assistant at Georgia Tech.
“Bringing Itoro home is a special moment for Carolina Basketball,” Banghart stated. “She embodies the Carolina spirit, understands the standard of excellence here, and has a profound connection to this community. Her expertise in coaching guards, her tenacity as a recruiter, and her ability to connect with players on a deep level are exactly what we need. She’s not just a great coach; she’s a Tar Heel.”
Coleman’s reputation as a relentless recruiter in the ACC and her proven track record of developing backcourt stars make her an ideal fit to help Carolina compete for the nation’s top talent.
A Rising Star in Player Development: Joanna Haggard
Rounding out the new staff is Joanna Haggard, a rising talent in the coaching ranks known for her exceptional work in player development and scouting. Haggard joins the Tar Heels after a highly successful stint as the associate head coach at Mercer University, where she was instrumental in building a dominant Southern Conference program. Her defensive schemes are highly regarded, and she has a keen eye for evaluating and nurturing talent.
“Joanna is one of the brightest young minds in our game,” Banghart remarked. “Her energy is contagious, and her detail-oriented approach to skill development and opponent scouting is second to none. She has a fantastic ability to break down the game and teach it effectively. Our players are going to benefit immensely from her daily instruction and passion for growth.”
Haggard’s journey through the collegiate ranks, including stops at Clemson and Georgia Tech alongside Coleman, has prepared her for the bright lights of the ACC and the expectations at North Carolina.
A Cohesive Vision for the Future
While each coach brings a unique and impressive individual resume, Banghart emphasized the cohesive nature of the new unit. The hiring process, she noted, was focused not just on accumulating talent, but on finding individuals who would complement each other and buy into a shared philosophy.
“This isn’t just about adding three great coaches; it’s about building a synergistic staff,” Banghart explained. “We have a blend of veteran head coaching experience, legendary Carolina DNA, and youthful, innovative energy. They are unified in their belief in our system, our standards, and our vision to compete for national championships. This staff is built to teach, to recruit, to develop, and to win.”
The new coaches will immediately dive into a critical recruiting period, aiming to secure the next generation of Tar Heel stars. They will also be tasked with developing a returning roster featuring All-ACC guard Deja Kelly and a strong core of experienced players poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
For a program with the storied history of North Carolina, the standard is always championship-or-bust. With the introduction of Jonathan Tsipis, Itoro Coleman, and Joanna Haggard, Coach Courtney Banghart has made a powerful statement about her commitment to meeting that standard head-on. The message from Chapel Hill is clear: the Tar Heels are not just reloading; they are evolving, and the rest of the ACC should take notice.
