Jalen Powell

Jalen Powell joined the Ohio State staff as an assistant coach before the beginning of the 2021-22 season.

The Buckeyes won a share of the Big Ten regular season championship in 2021-22, finishing the conference schedule with a 14-4 record. Ohio State did not lose to an unranked team during Big Ten play. OSU went on to earn a six-seed in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017. OSU earned three ranked wins during the 2021-22 season, first beating No. 12/11 Maryland at home before taking care of business at No. 21/24 Iowa. The Buckeyes most convincing ranked win came in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at No. 8/9 LSU by a 79-64 margin.

In 2022-23, the Buckeyes made their first NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 30 years and finished with a 28-8 overall record. Ohio State finished as the runner-up in the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 4 seed after completing the largest comeback in conference tournament history in the semifinals (24-point deficit in the third quarter). The Buckeyes were one of three undefeated teams in the country midway through January, posting the best start in program history at 19-0. OSU earned a program-best nine wins against ranked opponents and recorded the most steals (406) in program history. The Buckeyes’ three wins against top-10 opponents is the most since the 1992-93 season. The team generated the largest average home attendance (5,955) since the 2005-06 season. Following the conclusion of the regular season, Cotie McMahon was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year to highlight five All-Big Ten selections. Mikesell was selected 13^th overall and first in the second round of the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.

Powell came to Columbus after spending the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach at Florida A&M. She coached primarily the guards and wings in addition to serving as the liaison for daily operations such as calendars, individual student-athlete files and meetings with the head coach. Powell also served as the liaison for academics, equipment, admissions, athletic training and housing.

Before her stint in Tallahassee, she worked in New York at Basketball Results in 2019-20. At Basketball Results training facility, Powell assisted with player development, marketing, accounting and finances.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Ohio State family under the leadership of Coach McGuff,” said Powell. “I am extremely grateful and honored for this opportunity that Coach McGuff has given me, and I am looking forward to learning under him and working with a great staff. The passion and pride that is instilled in the culture here at The Ohio State University is very special, and it is something I am proud to be a part of.”

Powell began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas, where she earned her master’s degree in human resources and workforce development in May 2019. She was named to the presidential honor roll following her first year in the graduate program. Arkansas put together a 22-15 season during Powell’s second year on staff, as the Razorbacks made it to the SEC Championship game and earned two wins in the WNIT.

As a graduate assistant coach, Powell dealt with recruiting mail and on-campus visits, assisted with on-court workouts and organized summer camps. She also recorded and analyzed statistical data, accompanied Coach Neighbors to various speaking engagements and organized all male practice players.

Powell received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi in May 2017, where she specialized in education, journalism and recreation. She served as the head manager for four years, where she managed apparel/footwear, helped organize and conduct visits of facilities and campus, and helped coordinate food and team activities.

Growing up on Long Island, Powell is the daughter of Jerry Powell and Carol Havdouglas and has two sisters, Tiffany and Sabrina. Jerry Powell is an NBA trainer who has worked with stars like Paul George, Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma, Miles Bridges and Allen Crabbe.