James Adams was named the permanent Director of Athletics at Saint Elizabeth University in May 2026 after a transformational two-year interim tenure. A strategic leader and championship-winning coach, Adams oversees 13 varsity programs and has been the architect behind the university's transition to the new CUNYAC conference and the modernization of the university's athletic footprint.
“James Adams has demonstrated steady leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our student-athletes and the mission of Saint Elizabeth University while serving as Interim Director of Athletics,” said Dr. Gary Crosby, President of Saint Elizabeth University. “Throughout this period of transition, he has earned the respect of our students, coaches, and campus community through his collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. His vision for Eagle Athletics aligns strongly with our mission-centered values and our commitment to student success both on the field and in the classroom. I am confident that under James’ leadership, our athletic programs will continue to grow in competitiveness, integrity, and impact.”
Administrative Leadership & Institutional Impact
Since assuming leadership of the athletics department, Adams has orchestrated a period of unprecedented structural modernization. Following a comprehensive national search, he was selected to lead the department into its next chapter, focusing on elevating departmental standards and ensuring student-athletes have the resources to thrive as leaders. Under his leadership, the department has achieved a 3.06 cumulative GPA, reflecting a culture that prioritizes academic achievement alongside competitive grit.
Head Coaching Tenure: A Championship Era
In addition to his administrative duties, Adams is entering his sixth season leading the Men’s Basketball program. He has elevated the Eagles to heights never seen in program history, defined by a "Defense First" philosophy has earned numerous conference and national honors.
2023-24: The Championship Season
The 2023-24 campaign was a landmark year of "firsts" for the Eagles. Adams coached the team to a program-record 18 wins shattering the previous high of 13. On February 21, 2024, the Eagles captured the United East Skye Division Championship with a 65-56 victory over Wilson College—the first conference title in program history. Additionally, Adams set new program benchmarks for conference wins (12) and the longest winning streak (5). The Eagles led the division in field goal percentage, scoring margin, and assists per game, while also leading in blocks, FG% defense, and rebound margin.
Individual Player Development
Under Adams’ mentorship, the Eagles have consistently produced elite individual talent:
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Tye-Rell Monroe: Scored over 2,000 career points and named an all-conference performer for three consecutive seasons. Second in the nation in scoring during the 2024-25 season.
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D’Angelo Blackmond: A two-time All-Conference selection who became only the second player in program history to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.
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Pierre Harden: Named Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons and became the first Eagle to average a double-double for a season.
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Jonathan Ramos: Earned Second Team All-Conference honors after shooting 43% from three-point range in conference play.
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Joseph Mazzola: Scored over 1,000 career points and holds the program record for 3pt percentage in a season (43.6%).
Elite Professional Pedigree
Prior to Saint Elizabeth, Adams built an extensive resume at the NCAA Division I and II levels:
- University of Richmond (DI): Served as Video Coordinator under Chris Mooney. He was part of the staff that led the Spiders to a No. 2 finish in the Atlantic 10 (2019-20) and an NIT Quarterfinals appearance. He worked directly with student-athletes who advanced to the NBA G-League and professional leagues in Italy, Cyprus, and Canada.
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Georgian Court University (DII): Spent four seasons as the top assistant coach, managing player development for four 1000-point scorers and directing recruiting operations. During the 2017-18 season, Adams helped Georgian Court to a top-25 national ranking in Defensive Field Goal Percentage as the team's defensive coordinator.
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Professional & Early Career: Served as an assistant coach with the Jersey Express (ABA). In his lone season with the team, Adams helped the Express qualify for the Northeast Divisional Playoffs. He has previously held operations and compliance internships at Princeton University and Seton Hall University.
About James Adams
A native of West Orange, NJ, Adams graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College, the nation's top-ranked honors program at the time. A Division I track athlete, he competed in the long and triple jump for the Gamecocks and was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Entertainment Management with a minor in Business Administration
Adams is one of 3 children born to James and Geniece Adams and one of 3 brothers to compete in track & field at the Division 1 level. He currently resides in Hillside, New Jersey, with his wife, Brea, and daughter, Bella.
