JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville State University Vice President for Athletics Greg Seitz has announced the hiring of Ricky Austin as the new head coach of the Gamecock women's basketball program.
Austin replaces Rick Pietri, who recently announced his retirement following a highly successful tenure leading the program.
"Ricky Austin represents everything we value in a head coach at Jax State," said Seitz. "He is a proven winner, a developer of people, and a leader who understands how to build a championship culture. His impact extends far beyond the court, and we are excited about the future of our program under his leadership."
Austin arrives at Jax State following one of the most decorated coaching careers in Alabama high school basketball history. Over nearly three decades at Spring Garden High School, he compiled more than 1,000 career victories and led his teams to multiple state championships, including three consecutive titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
A member of the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame class, Austin's career has been defined not only by wins, but by the lasting influence he has had on his student-athletes and community. His teams made 17 Final Four appearances and produced more than 40 All-State players while maintaining a standard of excellence year after year.
In addition to his success at the high school level, Austin has been heavily involved on the national stage through grassroots basketball, serving as a coach with the Alabama Southern Starz Nike EYBL program. His experience at the EYBL level has provided him with valuable insight into elite player development, high-level competition, and the evolving recruiting landscape.
Austin's family has longstanding and significant ties to Jax State, particularly within the women's basketball program. His wife, Dana, and his sister-in-law, Jana McGinnis, both have their numbers retired after stellar playing careers as Gamecocks.
Dana Austin was a member of Jax State's 1990-91 Gulf South Conference Championship team and earned All-America honors that season. She remains the only player in program history to surpass 2,000 career points and still ranks among the program's all-time leaders in single-season scoring and assists. Dana later served as head coach of the Gamecock women's basketball program for 10 seasons from 1993 to 2003, further cementing the Austin family's legacy within the program.
Jana McGinnis, meanwhile, is the all-time winningest coach in Jax State history after a remarkable 31-year tenure leading the softball program, making the Austin-McGinnis family one of the most accomplished in university athletics history.
"I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program at Jax State," said Austin. "This is a place that means a great deal to me and my family. I'm excited to invest in our student-athletes, build strong relationships, and compete for championships. I've always believed in focusing on the process and trying to win each day, and that approach will continue here."
Austin's coaching philosophy is rooted in consistency, discipline, and relationships-principles that have defined his career and helped shape generations of student-athletes.
An introductory press conference will be held on Tuesday, March 31 at 3 p.m. at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
