Saint Louis University Women's Basketball

Rebecca Tillett was named the head women’s basketball coach at Saint Louis University on April 12, 2022, becoming the eighth head coach in the program’s history.  In her first season at the helm of the Billikens women’s basketball program, Tillett made history, leading the team to its first-ever Atlantic 10 Conference tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth.   After beginning the season with a 7-16 record, The Billikens went on a tear in February, compiling seven wins and a lone loss to finish in fourth place in the conference with a 10-6 A-10 record. A three-seed in the conference tournament, the Billikens won quarterfinal and semifinal games against Saint Joseph’s and Rhode Island to earn a spot in the tournament championship which ended in a thrilling 91-85 overtime win over UMass. With the championship, Tillett became only the second head coach in NCAA Division I women's basketball history – joining Lisa Bluder (Drake in 2000, Iowa in 2001) – to lead teams in different conferences to a tournament title in consecutive years.  SLU ended its season facing off against No. 3-seeded Tennessee in its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, a game that drew the most viewers – 639,000 – of any first-round contest.  Tillett’s championship team also produced three All-Conference selections with Brooke Flowers (co-Defensive Player of the Year, second team, All-Defensive team), Kyla McMakin (second team), and Julia Martinez (All-Defensive team) earning honors for the Billikens.   Tillett's coaching success continued in the 2023–24 season, culminating in a Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) championship. Under her leadership, the Billikens achieved a 22-18 overall record and won six consecutive games to claim the WNIT title. Notably, Peyton Kennedy was named the WNIT MVP, and three players earned Atlantic 10 end-of-season awards: Kyla McMakin (second-team All-Conference), Julia Martinez, and Kennedy Calhoun (both All-Defensive team). In her third season, the Billikens went 15-19 and made it to the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament before falling to eventual Champion George Mason. Calhoun recieved her second consecutive All-Defensive Team honor.  Prior to leading SLU’s program, Tillett spent the last four years reinvigorating the women’s team at Longwood University, a tenure that culminated with a conference championship, the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance and the Lancers’ first NCAA Tournament victory.  Tillett inherited a Longwood squad that was just 31-119 in the five seasons prior to her arrival, and she turned the Lancers into a postseason team in just her third year. She went 36-19 across the previous two seasons and, in addition to this year’s NCAA Tournament, helped the Lancers earn a spot in the Women’s Basketball Invitational in 2020-21.  Winners in 15 of their final 17 games this past season, the Lancers turned in their best overall and league records since joining the Big South almost 10 years ago, finishing 22-12 overall and 15-3 in the conference. Five Lancers earned Big South postseason accolades for a second consecutive season, including the league’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.  The Lancers took down top-seeded Campbell 86-47 in the Big South Championship final on March 6, punching their ticket to Longwood’s first-ever NCAA Tournament. Tillett’s transformation of the program took the Lancers from a 3-27 mark in her first season to Big South Tournament champions and March Madness participants in just three years.  The 22-12 overall record stands as Longwood’s best in its Division I era, a mark that beats the 16-13 record of the 2007-08 team in the Lancers’ first Division I season.  Tillett’s team this past year was strong defensively, ranking in the top 35 nationally in blocks (4.7, 27th) and steals (9.9, 35th) per game.  Prior to Longwood, Tillett began to climb the ranks on Navy’s bench in 2014-15, earning a promotion to recruiting coordinator in 2016-17 and associate head coach in 2017-18. In her four seasons, Navy went 81-47, including a program-record 25 wins in 2017-18, and reached the Patriot League Championship final and the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.  Before her stop at Navy, Tillett spent one season as an assistant coach with Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2013-14, where she helped the Crimson Hawks to an 18-10 record.  Prior to coaching collegiately, Tillett amassed a 166-72 overall record in a 10-year tenure with Virginia high schools, including stints at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas (2001-07) and Forest Park High School in Woodbridge (2007-13).  Tillett earned her bachelor’s degree from The College of William & Mary in 1999, finishing her collegiate playing career that season as team captain.    Tillett and her husband, Brett, have three children: Isabel, Jack and Maya. 

Jimmy Colloton, a 12-year veteran in Division I coaching, joined the Billikens' women's basketball staff as an associate head coach on June 14, 2023.    "When working to elevate and sustain excellence, it is always about the people and the culture. Jimmy is the type of coach you want to learn with and from on a daily basis," said Tillett. "He is a lifelong student of the game who has worked with high level coaches."   Colloton comes to SLU after spending the previous nine years at the United States Naval Academy working with its women's basketball program. He also spent time at Indiana as an assistant coach for the 2013-14 season after serving the program as a graduate assistant from 2011-13.   During his tenure at Saint Louis, the Billikens have compiled a 57-57 record. SLU won the 2023-24 WNIT after a six-game winning streak. Three players earned Atlantic 10 end-of-season honors during his time: Kyla McMakin was named to the All-Conference second team, while Julia Martinez and Kennedy Calhoun were selected to the All-Defensive team. Calhoun received the honor in back-to-back seasons. Peyton Kennedy was named MVP of the 2024 WNIT. "I am extremely thankful to Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle and Rebecca Tillett for this incredible opportunity to be part of the women's basketball program," said Colloton. "Coach Tillett and I created some great memories together years ago and I am looking forward to making some more with her at Saint Louis in the future."   Following his three seasons with the Hoosiers, Colloton joined Navy's women's basketball staff in 2014. In Colloton's near decade at the academy, his skill set saw him take on roles such as recruiting coordinator in 2018, associate head coach in 2020-22, as well as a three-month stint as the team's interim head coach in 2020.   In the 2021-22 season with the Mids, Colloton coached top player Jenn Coleman, who earned Navy's first-ever AP All-America status and was named a WNBA prospect after ranking in the nation's top-25 in six categories, including ninth in points per game.   Colloton's recruiting savvy saw three of his classes (2022-23, 2021-22, 2017-18) top the Patriot League rankings. In 2016-2017, the Mids won a program first national postseason tournament game by defeating George Washington in the first round of the WNIT. He also helped oversee the Navy women to a runner-up conference tournament finish during the 2017-18 season and a program-best 25 wins.   Prior to his time in Annapolis, Colloton was part of a staff that led the Hoosiers to their best start in program history (14-0) and a spot in the WNIT quarterfinals. He also helped sign a Top-30 recruiting class per the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report (CGBR).   Colloton served as a men's basketball student assistant coach at Wittenberg (Springfield, Ohio), where he graduated with honors in 2011 with a degree in economics.   The Arlington Heights, Ill., native also spent two seasons (2017, 2019) as a WNBA Advanced Scout for the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.   "He has a natural ability to find the details of the game in scouting and teaching that lead to success. We spent four years learning together in an environment where excellence was expected," continued Tillett. "I am looking forward to coaching side by side again with our attention on aggressively elevating SLU women's basketball. We share the ideals of helping women unlock their highest potential. His recruiting experience at Indiana and the United States Naval Academy, combined with the fact that he is a Midwest native, will elevate our recruiting."   Colloton joins Tillett's staff after her inaugural season with SLU which saw her lead the Billikens to a program-first A-10 Championship title and an NCAA Tournament berth.   "My family and I are excited to join this diverse community that has such a strong basketball tradition. I can't wait to get to work with this record-breaking team as we strive for championship success on and off the court," finished Colloton.

Ashley Polacek joined Saint Louis as the graduate assistant for women's basketball in October 2024. Polacek has spent the past year working as a basketball skills trainer and strength and conditioning coach at Larry Hughes Basketball Academy and ACE Performance Lab, respectively. Polacek finished her collegiate career at Appalachian State University (2017-2020), where she averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. She is a WBI Champion and was named to the Hatter Day Classic All-Tournament Team. Polacek ranks 4th in program history for single single assists (158). Prior to App State, Polacek played college hoops at the University of Central Florida (2015-2017), where she made an appearance in the WNIT and led the conference in assists her freshman season. After college, Polacek played a couple stints of pro ball in Romania and for the St. Louis Surge. Polacek has a Bachelor's degree and Masters of Exercise Science - Strength and Conditioning from Appalachian State University.

Saint Louis University head women's basketball coach Rebecca Tillett announced the addition of Ka'lia Johnson to the Billikens' coaching staff. Johnson reunites with Tillett after previously serving on her staff at Longwood. "I am super excited to begin my journey with SLU. I want to thank Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle, and Rebecca Tillett for sharing what their vision is for the athletic department and how I can help execute those goals," Johnson said. "To have the opportunity to team back up with Coach Tillett is something that I knew was always possible, and I am really happy to be coaching with her again. She is an incredible leader and an amazing basketball coach. I truly believe in the value of strong leadership and being able to use the game of basketball to impact lives and those values align with what the community of SLU is all about. I can't wait to get started! Go Billikens!" Johnson arrives at SLU after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Towson, where the Tigers posted a 20-11 record and reached the Coastal Athletic Association semifinals in 2023-24. Before her time at Towson, Johnson was an assistant coach at Richmond during the 2022-23 season. The Spiders went 22-11 and advanced to the second round of the WNIT. From 2019 to 2022, Johnson was part of Tillett's staff at Longwood. During her three-year tenure, the Lancers posted significant improvements, going from 12 to 22 wins and earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022. That season, Longwood captured a share of the Big South Conference regular-season title and won the Big South Tournament. Johnson began her coaching career as a graduate manager at UNC Greensboro, followed by a season as the video coordinator at VCU in 2018-19. "Ka'lia loves to coach and mentor and is an ultimate competitor," Tillett said. "Her joy and passion for the game resonate with players and inspire them to pursue arete. Her high-level championship experience as a point guard at Duke, combined with her dedication to studying the game, makes her an elite player development coach. She will spend hours in the gym with our players, helping them elevate individually and collectively. Her expertise will impact all areas of our program." A standout player at Duke, Johnson helped the Blue Devils to four consecutive 20-win seasons, including an ACC Tournament title in 2013 and back-to-back Elite Eight appearances. Duke went 115-28 during her career. As a senior in 2014-15, she averaged 7.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game as the starting point guard. She recorded the seventh triple-double in program history with 18 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds against Old Dominion on Nov. 20, 2014. Following her collegiate career, Johnson played professionally for two seasons. She averaged 19.4 points and a league-best 10.5 rebounds per game with BLK Slavia Praha in the Czech Republic before serving as team captain for Alte Kanti Aarau in Switzerland. She received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Duke and a Master of Liberal Studies from UNC Greensboro.  

Saint Louis University head women's basketball coach Rebecca Tillett announced the addition of Frozena Jerro to the Billiken coaching staff. Jerro will serve as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.   "Frozena brings high level experience as a coach and player," said Tillett. "She has multiple NCAA tournament appearances, and we plan to learn from her. We were looking for another champion to join our staff, and we believe her head coaching experience will immediately infuse knowledge. She is a positive role model for our women and staff. When you ask anyone about Coach Fro, you hear the same thing time and time again: she is a consummate professional. We crossed paths a couple of years ago, and I have observed her work on the road. She puts in the work necessary to elevate recruiting. She will add expertise across multiple areas of our program to include defense, player development, and team dynamics."   Jerro joins SLU after spending the 2024–25 season at Wisconsin, where she was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. She also oversaw post player development and played a key role in the success of Serah Williams, who earned first-team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive Team honors.   Prior to her time in Madison, Jerro spent six seasons at Cleveland State. She was an integral part of the program's rise, helping the Vikings claim the 2024 Horizon League regular-season title and the 2023 Horizon League Tournament championship. While at Cleveland State, Jerro helped develop 15 All-Horizon League selections, three Horizon League Defensive Players of the Year, and two Horizon League Players of the Year.   Before Cleveland State, Jerro served seven years at UIC, where she was the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. During her time with the Flames, she coached seven All-Horizon League selections and seven Horizon League All-Defensive Team honorees, including two-time Defensive Player of the Year Ruvanna Campbell.   Earlier in her career, Jerro spent one season at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and six seasons as an assistant coach at UNLV. She helped guide the Lady Rebels to four postseason appearances, including a WNIT runner-up finish in the 2003–04 season.   Jerro began her collegiate coaching career at the University of Houston before moving to Cal State Northridge. After one season as an assistant coach there, she was promoted to head coach, leading the Matadors to the 1998–99 Big Sky Conference championship and their first NCAA Tournament appearance. That season, she was named Big Sky Coach of the Year.   "I'm truly grateful to Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle, and Coach Tillett for the incredible opportunity to join SLU's women's basketball program," said Jerro. "I look forward to working alongside a wonderful staff, helping to develop our talented players as they pursue excellence on and off the court. I'm thrilled to be part of the Billiken family and ready to help build something special."   A 1993 graduate of Arizona State University, Jerro earned a bachelor's degree in business marketing. As a player, she was a two-time letterwinner, team captain, and Pac-10 All-Star for the Sun Devils, helping lead the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Chyna Latimer was named the Director of Basketball Operations/Assistant Coach in August 2025. Latimer comes to SLU after a year as the Director of Basketball Operations at UMass Lowell. “I would like to thank Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle, and Coach Rebecca Tillett for their confidence in me and for welcoming me to the SLU Women’s Basketball program,” Latimer said. “I’m excited to work alongside Coach Tillett, with whom I’ve shared a strong connection since my playing days, as well as this accomplished staff and talented group of women, while proudly representing SLU and engaging with the Billiken community.”   Latimer played collegiate basketball at George Washington where the Revolutionaries won the Alantic 10 Championship her freshman season. She then played at the University of Delaware before completing her career at Ball State University. Following her time in the NCAA, she competed professionally overseas with FIBA, taking the court in both Ireland and Germany. While in Ireland, her team won the Paudie O’Connor National Cup and Latimer was named to the All-Stars First Team.   While in Ireland, Latimer expanded her coaching resume as the head coach of a U13 girls' team, where she led youth camps, organized practices, managed game schedules, and cultivated relationships with donors.   Latimer earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Delaware in 2021 and her master’s degree in public administration from Ball State in 2022. "We are excited to welcome Chyna to our program," heach coach Rebecca Tillett said. "She brings a positive mindset, a competitive spirit, and a wide range of skills. With experience in the A-10, Midwest hoops, and pro basketball in Ireland and Germany, she adds perspective. Chyna's eager to streamline our systems and elevate our operations. She will add value in player development, recruiting, and scouting. Our players will love her drive and relentless pursuit of excellence."

Omorede Rainey Jr. is in his second season with Saint Louis as the Video and Analytics Coordinator for the women’s basketball team. Rainey spent the previous two years at Iona University as the Graduate Assistant for women’s basketball during one of the most successful seasons in school history. In the 2022-23 campaign, the Gaels improved their win total by 15 games, finishing with a 26-7 (18-2 MAAC) record. That season, they captured both the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular-Season and Tournament Championships, securing Iona’s second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Throughout this championship run, Rainey managed film breakdown for practices and games, directed the team’s social media presence, handled budgeting, inventory, and apparel, and supervised the student managers. Additionally, he provided support in recruiting efforts and assisted the director of operations with coordinating team travel and logistics. Before joining the women’s program, Rainey spent four years with the Iona men’s basketball team as a student manager under Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino. He was promoted to head manager in his senior year, overseeing a staff of 11 student managers and coordinating day-to-day operations. During his tenure, the Gaels captured two MAAC Championships (2019 & 2021) and two regular-season titles (2019 & 2022). In recognition of his hard work, dedication, and impact on the program, Rainey made school history by becoming the first student manager to suit up and play against Quinnipiac on Senior Day in 2022. Rainey also holds the rare distinction of being the first individual in Iona University history to win conference championships with both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. Rainey holds two degrees from Iona University - a Bachelor's in Management (2022) and an MBA in Management (2024)