GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida women’s basketball head coach Kelly Rae Finley has announced the hiring of assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Cynthia Jordan to her staff.
Jordan joins the Gators coaching staff after serving as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations at South Carolina for the past 10 seasons.
“CJ is a star within the women’s basketball community,” Finley said. “She is a connector of people, a competitor with a diligent work ethic and charismatic presence. She is a proven winner who will positively impact our student-athletes and staff daily. We are excited to welcome CJ to Gainesville!”
As the director of operations with the Gamecocks, Jordan coordinated all team activities, including all aspects of the team’s travel arrangements. She was responsible for game scheduling, assisting with oversight of student-athlete academic success and served as the program’s liaison with various other areas within the athletics department.
“I am thrilled and excited to be joining such a strong program,” Jordan said. “I would like to thank Kelly for including me in her overall vision. Kelly’s passion for the game is palpable and positions her and the program for greatness. I am honored to play a role in the program’s build as a championship contender and am committed to contributing in any way I can. I also look forward to becoming an active member of the greater Gators community.”
Prior to serving as the director of operations, Jordan acted as the video coordinator for the Gamecocks from 2008-2011. As the video coordinator, Jordan was responsible for taping games and practices, breaking down film and coordinating the ongoing video needs of the coaching staff. She began her career in collegiate athletics as a graduate assistant at Temple in 2007. As a graduate assistant at Temple, she began working with editing opponent films for the coaching staff while also evaluating high school prospect videos.
On the court, Jordan was a four-year letterwinner for Temple women’s basketball under head coach Dawn Staley before playing professionally overseas in Switzerland and Turkey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing in 2004 and her master’s degree in sports and recreation administration in 2009, both from Temple.
What They’re Saying About CJ
“One of the greatest moments as a coach is seeing your former players live out their dreams. Today is that day for Cynthia ‘CJ’ Jordan, who has been a key part of our championship success. As a player, CJ was the ultimate point guard, a good teammate and a coachable student-athlete who was not going to be outworked. It’s that same tenacious attitude that will make her a great assistant coach for the Florida Gators. Coaching is about teaching, relationships and passion – CJ has a great understanding of all three, and couple with her knowledge of the game, the student-athletes will benefit greatly from what she will add to the staff.”