Shalon Pillow Named Chief of Staff for Memphis Women’s Basketball

News Summary

Memphis women’s basketball has appointed Shalon Pillow as its new chief of staff, a role she is expected to excel in given her extensive coaching and playing experience. With nearly two decades in the sport, Pillow’s background includes leadership positions at institutions like Florida A&M and Middle Tennessee State University. A former player at the University of Tennessee, her additional experience in player development and program building positions her as a key asset for the program’s future. Head coach Alex Simmons is optimistic about the positive impact Pillow will have on the team.

Memphis, TN – Memphis women’s basketball has named Shalon Pillow as its new chief of staff, a decision announced on June 6, 2025. This strategic appointment is expected to strengthen the program, given Pillow’s extensive coaching background and dedication to women’s basketball.

Pillow brings nearly two decades of coaching and leadership experience to the team. Her most recent role was as the assistant director of athletics and head varsity girls basketball coach at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida. Before that, she served as the head coach of the women’s basketball program at Florida A&M from 2021 to 2023.

Throughout her career, Pillow has demonstrated her ability to develop programs and players. She spent six successful years as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) under the renowned Hall of Fame coach Rick Insell. During her time at MTSU, she contributed to a remarkable season where the Lady Raiders achieved 24 wins and reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in the 2014-15 season. One of her standout achievements was developing Cheyenne Parker, who was selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky.

Pillow’s coaching journey also includes a significant stint at the University of Kentucky from 2009 to 2014. Under her guidance, the Wildcats made five NCAA tournament appearances and celebrated an SEC regular season championship in 2012. In addition to her roles at Kentucky and MTSU, Pillow has also worked as an assistant coach at Hofstra University for one season and spent three seasons at the University of South Florida.

Pillow’s contributions to the sport are not limited to coaching alone. Before her coaching career, she was actively involved in basketball as the Camp Director and Event Operator for the Ohio Girls Basketball Report, showcasing her commitment to nurturing young talent in the sport.

As a player, Shalon Pillow’s accomplishments are noteworthy. She was a four-year letterwinner at the University of Tennessee, playing under the legendary head coach Pat Summitt from 1998 to 2002. During her collegiate career, she appeared in 108 games, celebrated two Final Four appearances, and played a key role in winning four SEC Championships, contributing to a remarkable overall record of 125-12. Following her college career, Pillow was also part of the inaugural Tennessee Fury team in the Women’s National Basketball League in 2003, sharing the court with prominent players like Nikki McCray and Becky Hammond.

Pillow graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in general psychology and a minor in communications. Her educational background complements her coaching experience, further enhancing her qualifications for the chief of staff role. Head coach Alex Simmons has expressed confidence that Pillow’s experience paired with her passion for women’s basketball will significantly benefit the Memphis women’s basketball program.

The addition of Shalon Pillow signifies a progressive step for the Memphis women’s basketball team as it looks to build a strong and competitive program. With her extensive coaching resume and a successful history in both playing and coaching, the future looks promising for Memphis women’s basketball under her leadership.

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Additional Resources

• Memphis Women’s Basketball Announcement
• CBS Sports: Joye Lee McNelis Dies
• Hattiesburg American: Remembering Joye Lee McNelis
• Commercial Appeal: Joye Lee McNelis Obituary
• Wikipedia: Women’s College Basketball

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MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.