South Alabama has hired Yolisha Jackson as its new women’s basketball coach, the school announced Friday.

Jackson returns to Mobile after three seasons on the staff at South Florida, where she was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. She spent seven years on the South Alabama staff, serving as associate head coach during the 2019-20 season.

“We are extremely excited about Yolisha leading our women’s basketball program,” South Alabama athletics director Joel Erdmann said. “This search was as competitive as any I have ever been associated with. The candidates vying for the position were tremendously qualified and engaging. As the process evolved it became obvious that Yolisha was the best person for our program, our university and our community.”

Jackson replaces Terry Fowler, whose contract was not renewed at the end of the season. Fowler coached 10 seasons at South Alabama, posting a 129-173 overall record.

Jackson was part of South Florida teams that went 70-20 and made three straight trips to the NCAA tournament. At South Alabama, she helped the Jaguars to the Women’s NIT at 2019 and the Women’s Basketball Invitational in 2018.

“I am blessed and humbled at the opportunity to return to Mobile and lead South Alabama women’s basketball,” Jackson said. “I would like to thank President (Jo) Bonner, Dr. Joel Erdmann and the rest of the South Alabama family for this amazing opportunity. Mobile is a special place with incredible fans, great tradition and tremendous support. I look forward to building relationships with our players, alumni, students and community. Now let’s get to work!”

Jackson grew up in Clarksville, Tenn., where her father, Howard, was the longtime coach at Austin Peay. She played basketball at Jacksonville University, and began her coaching career with five seasons at Kennesaw State followed by three at Air Force.