On Thursday, Nov. 5, Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Michelle Morgan announced that JCU has hired Beth Andrews as head coach for the 2020-2021 women’s basketball team. 

Andrews graduated from JCU in 2015, earning a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. From 2011-2015, she was a member of the Blue Streaks basketball program, pushing the team to two NCAA tournament appearances. Some of her accolades include 1,110+ career points, the record for the most offensive rebounds, with 338, and being named second-team All-Conference for her efforts during her senior year. 

“My playing career here has helped shape me into the coach I am today,” said new head coach Andrews. “JCU Women’s Basketball took major steps in my junior year, making it to the second round of the NCAA tournament and I hold onto that feeling and pass it along to my players. I enjoyed all the moments of being a student-athlete and I want to ensure anyone I coach feels that same excitement!”

After her time at JCU, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Sports Management from Cleveland State University. 

In 2018, Andrews returned to the JCU basketball program and served as an assistant coach to Morrone for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons.

Andrews believes that was very helpful being apart of the team as an assistant before being hired as head coach 

“As an assistant, I was in charge of multiple things which really allowed me to learn early,” Andrews stated. “I was able to be apart of two very successful seasons, and now I know what it takes to continue that success!”

During those years, Andrews led the team to a 45-12 record, an NCAA tournament appearance and an OAC regular season and tournament championship title. 

John Carroll guard Sarah Sprecher expressed her excitement to The Carroll News about Andrews’ new position. 

“Beth Andrews is a great asset to the John Carroll women’s basketball program,” said Sprecher. “She cares so much about us as players and this program as an alumna. We are so excited to have her here to be able to take this program to the next level.”

Andrews has been filling in since July 2020 when former Head Coach Kelly Morrone departed to Merrimack for an NCAA Division I head coaching job.

For the team, the transition has been easy and smooth, according to Sprecher.

 “In a time of chaos, she stepped into the head coaching role flawlessly from day one,”  she said.

Andrews believes that despite the chaos of the pandemic her team is ready for a successful upcoming season. 

“My goals for this upcoming season are to have a safe and successful season. This team has excelled during this pandemic and is refusing to let it alter what could be an amazing season for them, Andrews expressed. “I am so proud of how hard they work and look forward to physically being on the floor with them”

The Blue Streaks are ready to continue their success under Andrew’s leadership this upcoming season. 

“We are ready to take on the OAC and play for a national appearance under her leadership,” Sprecher noted, “not just this year, but for the years to come.”