Bethune-Cookman University Women's Basketball

Entering into her fifth season at the helm of the Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball program, Janell Crayton Del Rosario helped the Wildcats turn around a six-win season in her first season to adding five wins to the program a year later. Ever since, she has continued to raise the bar in wins since leading the program.   During the 2024-25 campaign, Crayton coached Asianae Nicholson, who finished the year third nationally in double-doubles (22), as well as leading the SWAC in rebounds. Nicholson had double-figure rebounds in 24 games, including 12 consecutive to end the campaign. In the process, Crayton Del Rosario helped guide the Wildcats back to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament taking place in Atlanta, Georgia. Crayton Del Rosario, a 2006 graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, arrived to Bethune-Cookman prior to the 2021-22 season. In her first year, she picked up a 6-21 overall record, including five wins in BCU’s inaugural season in the SWAC. Bethune-Cookman grabbed SWAC victories against Alcorn State, Florida A&M, Mississippi Valley State and Texas Southern, respectfully.   In her third year during the 2023-24 campaign, Crayton once again raised the Wildcats’ wins total, this time by four wins from the prior season. Bethune-Cookman went 15-16 overall with key nonconference wins against teams from Georgia State, Iona, Jacksonville and Mercer, respectively. In league play, B-CU played four games without at least four regular starters due to injury and/or illness, including two games in which B-CU used just six players total.   For the month of November, B-CU posted a 4-2 record – the first time since the Cats registered a winning record for the month of November since 2019-20.   In 2022-23, Crayton guided the Wildcats to a winning record in SWAC play, finishing with a 10-8 league record and advancing to the SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history. Throughout the way, the Cats lost four games by a combined 14 points, including a triple overtime setback away to Alabama State. The Cats finished tied for sixth in the SWAC standings, earning the No. 6 seed in the tournament. Along the way, the Cats won four of their first five SWAC games to begin the league campaign.   Crayton has an extensive résumé of leadership on and off the court. She arrived to Daytona Beach from Kennesaw State where she served two years as assistant coach/recruiting coordinator for the Owls. Prior to Kennesaw State, Crayton worked under David Six at Hampton University, where she was part of three consecutive winning seasons for the Pirates, which included a place in the NCAA Tournament during the 2016-17.   Prior to Hampton, the Atlanta, Georgia native served as an assistant coach at such schools as UNC Asheville, William and Mary, Colgate, Oberlin and Oglethorpe, respectively. Off the court, Crayton served as a campaign associate for The United Way of Greater Atlanta where she led multiple fundraising campaigns and coordinated with large corporate partners to help raise money for the organization. As a basketball player, Crayton boasts international playing experience that includes stops throughout the Czech Republic and Turkey, having also run youth camps in those respective countries. Additionally, Crayton had the opportunity to teach basketball fundamentals to high school students at Wesley Girls School in Ghana, West Africa.   She received her M.S. from Ohio University, where she completed the prestigious Sports Administration program.   Included on Crayton’s list of accolades is being a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), as well as the Black Coaches Association (BCA), and she has also graduated from the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy.  

Ronni Williams is entering her first year with the Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball program as an assistant coach and director of operations. She arrives to Daytona Beach from Calvary Christian in Ormond Beach, Florida.   “I’m overly excited to be a part of the Bethune-Cookman Family, as it’s special to me with this being home and in my back yard,” said Williams. “I want to help make history in my hometown with a great group of women, and it is an honor and pleasure to be here as a Wildcat.”   Williams, a graduate of the University of Florida, was a second-round pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. She would go on to play professionally in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France and Russia.   While at Florida, Williams was a WBCA All-America Honorable Mention performer, as well as being a First Team All-SEC member and Regional Finalist for the WBCA Coaches’ All-America squad. As a junior (2015-16), Williams was an All-SEC Second Team selection, en route to becoming the first Gator in program history to lead the SEC in scoring with an average of 20.1 points per game.   Williams was also just the third player in program history to lead the team in scoring three different seasons, and the first to do so in three seasons consecutively. Overall, she would conclude her Florida career with more than 1,400 points and over 800 rebounds, scoring in all but one (1) game in her career – that coming in her freshman season.   "Ronni is going to be an amazing addition to our program,” expressed Janell Crayton Del Rosario, Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball Head Coach. “She is a hard worker who understands the game and has played at the highest level. She will be integral in our day-to-day operations both on and off the court.”   A native of Volusia County having played at Atlantic High School for longtime head coach George Butts, as she was named News-Journal Player of Year and tabbed a McDonald’s All-American as a senior.   At Bethune-Cookman, Williams will help oversee all phases of the day-to-day operations of the women's basketball office, focusing on office and team budgetary matters and team travel.   “Ronnie’s enthusiasm and willingness to help in any way makes her a perfect fit for what we want and need in this position,” continued Crayton Del Rosario. “I see this as just the beginning of a great college coaching career for Ronni, and I am excited to get started and watch her grow."  

Bethune-Cookman University Head Women's Basketball Coach Janell Crayton Del Rosario announced the hiring of Amber Easter as an assistant coach for the Wildcats women's basketball program.   "After an extensive search, we found exactly what we were looking for in Amber Easter,” remarked Head Coach Janell Crayton Del Rosario. “I’ve been watching this young lady grow more and more in the world of women’s basketball for a long time, even back to her days at Bethel High as a student-athlete in Hampton.   “Amber’s background speaks for itself, and we couldn't be more pleased to have her join the Wildcats Family. This is a great addition for our program.”   Amber Easter brings extensive collegiate coaching experience to Daytona Beach, most recently serving as Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Radford since May 2022. During her tenure with the Highlanders, she coordinated recruiting efforts for both university and junior college prospects, while developing comprehensive recruiting strategies and organizational plans.   “I am beyond excited to join Wildcats Women’s Basketball,” expressed Easter. “Bethune-Cookman is a special place, and I am looking forward to working with a great staff and a great group of student-athletes.”   Prior to Radford, Easter served as an assistant coach at St. Bonaventure (2019-22), where she was instrumental in developing Asiane Johnson into being an Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team selection for the 2021-22 season. Her responsibilities for the Bonnies included conducting team practices, managing academic liaisons, organizing team-building activities, and creating detailed scouting reports.   Easter also gained valuable experience as Director of Basketball Operations at George Mason (2017-2019) where she was part of a staff that earned hosting rights in the Atlantic 10 Tournament for two years including the No. 4 seed in the conference and a school-record 24 wins in 2018. She helped manage all facets of the Patriots women's basketball program under head coach Nyla Milleson, working with the coaching staff on video operations, overseeing the team schedule and coordinating team travel and practices.   For two years from 2015-17, Easter served in the role of graduate assistant at Virginia Commonwealth. Her operational expertise includes managing team travel, coordinating schedules, overseeing budgets, and developing social media strategies. Working under Head Coach Beth O’Boyle, Easter assisted in player development, recruiting, alumni relations and scouting reports. In her two years on staff, the Rams finished 39-25 and earned a spot in the 2016 WNIT.   "We don't just hire coaches – we bring in people who share our vision and culture. Amber is exactly that type of person. What impressed us most about Amber wasn't just her coaching ability, but her dedication to developing young people both on and off the court, and extending well into the classroom.”   The Hampton, Virginia native began her coaching career at the high school level, serving as Head Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Coach at her alma mater Bethel High School from 2013-2015. She was instrumental in assisting the varsity team to a 21-1 record and multiple championship appearances, including a 21-1 mark and 6-A South State runner-up appearance during the 2014-15 campaign.   Easter's educational background includes a Master of Education in Sport Leadership and an MBA from VCU, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason, where she was a four-year starter and team captain for the Patriots.   In her playing time at George Mason, she accumulated more than 1,000 career points, finishing her career in 2013 ranking 11th on the Patriots' all-time scoring charts with 1,277 points. She also ranked ninth in career rebounds (753), ninth in blocks (65), 17th in assists (192) and 20th in steals (135), all while averaging 10.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in 120 career games.   Previously competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) – prior to GMU’s move to the A-10, Easter collected numerous conference honors which included Second Team All-CAA during her senior year. Additionally, she was honored to the All-CAA Rookie Team.   “Amber has a proven track record of identifying and developing talent. Her recruiting relationships and evaluation skills will be huge assets for us. We’re always looking for coaches who can help our players grow and improve in many different aspects of their game and life. Amber has demonstrated that ability throughout her career, thus making her our top choice for this position."   In addition to her coaching credentials, Easter holds First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor Certification from the American Red Cross and has demonstrated a commitment to community service throughout her career.  

Mattox, formerly Keyana Brown – after recently marrying, brings valuable experience and dedication to the Wildcats' women's basketball program as she steps into this crucial administrative role. As Director of Operations, she will oversee day-to-day operations, assist with recruiting coordination, manage team travel arrangements, and support various administrative functions essential to the program's success.   "We are thrilled to welcome Keyana Mattox to our Bethune-Cookman Women's Basketball family," said Head Coach Janell Crayton Del Rosario. "Keyana brings tremendous organizational skills and a passion for the game that will be invaluable to our program. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our team's values and goals."   Keyana Mattox arrives to Daytona Beach from her most recent position as Head Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. She spent one season at TCA, previously serving the 2023-24 campaign at UNC Wilmington as an assistant coach. In her time at UNCW, she assisted the Seahawks in organizing practices and games, as well as working individually with guards and post players. She also served as the director of all recruiting operations for the coaching staff, planning and executing summer camps, and being academic liaison to the athletic department on behalf of Women's Basketball.   For Mattox, a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, the stop in Wilmington was the second in her career, as she also spent the 2021-22 campaign as the Director of Operations for the Seahawks.   "Keyana's work ethic and dedication make her an ideal fit for this position," added Coach Crayton Del Rosario. "She understands the importance of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful Division I basketball program. We're confident she will make an immediate positive impact on our team and help us continue moving in the right direction."   No stranger to the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) landscape, Mattox is a 2018 graduate of Virginia State – a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) In Petersburg, Virginia. Mixed with her time at UNCW, Mattox worked as an assistant coach at Coppin State under Head Coach Jermaine Woods, where she helped the Eagles earn the fifth seed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament and saw both Mossi Staples and Jewel Watkins finish the season with second team all-conference honors, respectively.   While at CSU, she was named one of 46 participants for the 2023 NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy held at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis, Indiana.   Mattox has also spent time at Valdosta State, spending time as a graduate assistant in the role of coordinating team travel, academics and social media.   Away from women's basketball, Mattox spent one year working as a media relations with the University of Maryland Athletic Media Relations Department, later going on to work as a media relations intern with the MEAC during the 2018-19 athletic term.   In her playing career, Mattox was a three-year letterwinner at Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia, being named as a two-time team captain who helped lead her squad to a pair of winning seasons. She ranked third on the team in scoring with a 7.3 average during the 2015-16 season en route to receiving "Sixth Woman of the Year" accolades at the end of the year. Mattox transferred to Virginia State for her senior season and helped the Trojans set a school record with a 15-0 start. She averaged 9.4 points per game, shot 41.9 percent from the field and paced the team with 18 blocked shots.

Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball Head Coach Janell Crayton has announced the hiring of Erika Harris as a new assistant coach to the Wildcats staff. Harris arrives to BCU as she takes over in wake of the departure of Stephan Walton, who left last month for a similar position at Canisius.   “We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Harris into our family as part of my coaching staff,” commented Crayton. “Coach Harris brings a wealth of knowledge from different levels and different positions. Her passion for this game is unmistakable, and her work ethic is something that will help our program continue to climb.”   Before arriving to Daytona Beach, Harris spent the 2023-24 campaign as head coach for women’s basketball at Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, Missouri.   Prior to Moberly, she was Women’s Basketball Head Coach for five seasons at Danville Area Community College in Danville, Illinois. While at Danville Area CC, Harris led the Lady Jaguars to their first Region 24 Championship in program history with a record of 22-11 across the 2022-23 season. That same season, Danville Area CC posted an eighth-place finish in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, en route to being named District Coach of the Year. In 2015, Dy’Jhanik Armfield was ranked 15th nationally for NJCAA Division II. Additionally, she coached a number of players to achieve all-conference and all-region recognition each year from 2019-2022, respectfully.   “I would like to thank Coach [Janell] Crayton for this amazing opportunity to be at a special place like Bethune-Cookman University,” said Harris. “I could not be more excited to work with an excelling team and continue this journey towards a championship.”   In total at DACC, Harris coached 28 all-academic team selections, six All-MAAC selections, and one MAAC Player of the Year.   Before becoming the head coach at DACC, Harris was an assistant coach at her alma mater Niagara University from 2015-18.   A 2009 graduate of Niagara, Harris earned her bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management with a concentration in Sport Management. She was a four-year letterwinner for the Purple Eagles.   A native of Gahanna, Ohio, Harris began her coaching career as an assistant women’s basketball coach with DACC from 2012-14, while serving as the school’s softball head coach from 2013-14.   “Coach Harris is a great basketball mind, who is clearly in love with this game as well as coaching,” continued Crayton. “She is going to be a great resource and teacher for the young female student-athletes on our team and her energy will only add to our culture. I am truly blessed to be able to add her as part of our program, and I can’t wait for her to get started.”   At BCU, Harris expected to work primarily with guards, in addition to assisting with recruiting, scout preparations and the other day-to-day duties of the women’s basketball program.