George Washington University Athletics
Women’s Basketball Adds Five to Staff Ahead of 2023-24 Season
10/20/2023 8:42:00 AM | Women's Basketball
WASHINGTON – Head coach Caroline McCombs and the George Washington women's basketball team have announced the addition of five staff members ahead of the 2023-24 season. Additions include Ali Jaques (Associate Head Coach), Hailey Zeise (Assistant Coach/Director of Recruiting), Peggy Keegan (Director of Basketball Operations), Reilly Howard (Graduate Assistant) and Evelyn Adebayo (Graduate Assistant).
Ali Jaques
Associate Head Coach
"We're excited to welcome Coach Jaques back to Foggy Bottom," said McCombs. "In her second stint on the sidelines in the Buff & Blue, she understands the history and tradition of our program."
"Coach Jaques is a relentless recruiter, and she has a passion for developing young women both on and off the court," said McCombs. "Her experiences as a head coach will be invaluable."
Jaques returns to George Washington after serving as an assistant on Joe McKeown's staff from 2006-08. In her two seasons with GW, the Buff & Blue went 55-11 and made consecutive appearances in the Sweet 16. GW was nationally ranked in both seasons, peaking at No. 8 in the AP Poll and No. 9 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll in February 2007.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to return to George Washington University's women's basketball program," said Jaques. "Of all the places the game of basketball has taken me throughout my career, Foggy Bottom and Washington D.C. were by far at the top of the list. The opportunity to join Coach McCombs' staff and build upon what she has revived in two short years was an absolute no-brainer for me."
"Coach McCombs is not only a driven coach, but she is someone I have been lucky to call a close friend since we worked together at Northwestern for Joe McKeown. This is a special place with extraordinary people close to my heart. I can't wait to connect with current players and reconnect with alumni and friends," said Jaques.
Jaques most recently served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Seton Hall for one season under Anthony Bozzella. In 2022-23, the Pirates went 19-15 overall and 10-10 in the Big East Conference, earning a bid to the 2023 WNIT, where they topped Saint Joseph's before falling to Syracuse in the second round. Jaques coached a pair of Big East All-Conference players in Lauren Park-Lane (First Team) and Sidney Cooks (Second Team).
Prior to her time at Seton Hall, Jaques served as the head coach of the Siena women's basketball team for nine seasons. Under her direction, Siena won 116 games and advanced to the Championship of the WBI in 2014-15 as part of the Saints' first winning season in 11 years.
Before leading Siena, Jaques was an associate head coach with McKeown at Northwestern for four seasons and has also served as an assistant coach at Dayton (2005-06), Furman (2002-05), Sacred Heart (1999-02) and Rider (1998-99).
Jaques is a 1998 graduate of New York University, where she played basketball and soccer.
Hailey Zeise
Assistant Coach/Director of Recruiting
"I am thrilled with the addition of Hailey to our coaching staff," said McCombs. "Having recruited and coached Hailey during my time at Stony Brook, we have a unique bond and I am certain she'll be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes both on and off the court."
Zeise most recently served as an Academic Counselor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Prior to her time at Pitt, Zeise spent four years at Stony Brook University in Long Island, N.Y., playing under Coach McCombs. Zeise was a three-year starter and captain, leading her team to back-to-back America East conference championship titles in 2020 and 2021. Zeise was recognized for her performance on and off the court, earning multiple All-Conference honors including All-Championship Team in 2020 and 2021, All-Defensive Team in 2021, All-Academic Team in 2021, and America East Helping Hands Team in 2020.
"I am so excited to be a part of the George Washington women's basketball program with Coach McCombs," said Zeise. "I want to extend a huge thank you to her for giving me the opportunity to join her staff at GW and I can't wait to help GW women's basketball compete at the highest level in the Atlantic 10."
In addition to her role on the basketball team, Zeise served as a representative for multiple student-athlete leadership groups, including the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Academy of Leaders and Black Student Athlete Huddle.
Zeise graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Business Management in 2020. Zeise then returned to Stony Brook to use her final year of eligibility in 2020-21, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration and was awarded the Athletic Director's Award for her career achievements.
Peggy Keegan
Director of Basketball Operations
"We're grateful to add Peggy to our team as the Director of Basketball Operations," said McCombs. "Peggy brings exceptional skills from her personal relationships to her career in business that will suit her well in this new role."
Keegan arrives in Foggy Bottom following a 33-year career working for Verizon Global Networks in the telephone business. With an Engineering background, Keegan held multiple roles at Verizon including Director of IT Operations, Director of IT Technical Services, and Director of GNI Engineering.
"Coming from a business background, I'm thrilled to begin my journey as Director of Basketball Operations at GW," said Keegan. "I want to thank coach McCombs for believing in me and the skills I bring to the table. GW is a special place and I'm very appreciative to be part of this great university."
Following her retirement from Verizon in 2003, Keegan held various other roles including positions in telecommunications, customer service, and opening her own bed and breakfast in Maine. Keegan most recently served as the Senior Registrar for All-State Careers in Baltimore, Md. She held that position for nearly three years before joining GW's women's basketball staff.
Reilly Howard
Graduate Assistant
Howard most recently served as Assistant Coach for St. Mary's College of Maryland. While with St. Mary's, Howard's main duties included coordinating all facets of team travel, breaking down all film for team use, assisting in the daily operation of team practices, holding individual skill sessions with student-athletes, and managing the program's social media accounts.
Prior to her role at St. Mary's, Howard served as a student manager for Florida State's women's basketball program from 2017-2022. With the Seminoles, Howard's duties included assisting in daily practices, coordinating facility setup for home events, operating on-campus recruiting activities, coding practice and game film, and helping compile scouting reports.
Howard graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from Florida State in 2020. She then returned to FSU and earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management as well, graduating in 2022.
Evelyn Adebayo
Graduate Assistant
Adebayo lands at GW after a three-year professional career in Spain and Poland. A native of London, England, Adebayo spent the last two seasons with Energa Torun in the Basket Liga Kobiet. While with Torun, Adebayo averaged 8.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.
Adebayo began her collegiate career with Gardner-Webb in 2015. She spent two seasons with the Bulldogs, playing in 56 total games. While with Gardner-Webb, Adebayo averaged 13.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. Following her sophomore season, Adebayo transferred to Murray State where she spent two seasons. She was ultimately redshirted her first year with the Racers, but would go on to start in all 30 games for the team the following year. In 2018-19, Adebayo averaged 18.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists; all of which were career-highs. This prompted Adebayo to transfer to UConn for her final year of eligibility, playing for the Huskies in 2019-20. Under Geno Auriemma's guidance, Adebayo appeared in 22 games, averaging 1.0 points and 2.1 rebounds off the bench. The Huskies were primed to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, but it was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adebayo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Murray State in 2019 and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from UConn in 2020. Prior to her collegiate career, Adebayo also represented her country as part of the Great Britain U16 national team in the European Championships.
Ali Jaques
Associate Head Coach
"We're excited to welcome Coach Jaques back to Foggy Bottom," said McCombs. "In her second stint on the sidelines in the Buff & Blue, she understands the history and tradition of our program."
"Coach Jaques is a relentless recruiter, and she has a passion for developing young women both on and off the court," said McCombs. "Her experiences as a head coach will be invaluable."
Jaques returns to George Washington after serving as an assistant on Joe McKeown's staff from 2006-08. In her two seasons with GW, the Buff & Blue went 55-11 and made consecutive appearances in the Sweet 16. GW was nationally ranked in both seasons, peaking at No. 8 in the AP Poll and No. 9 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll in February 2007.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to return to George Washington University's women's basketball program," said Jaques. "Of all the places the game of basketball has taken me throughout my career, Foggy Bottom and Washington D.C. were by far at the top of the list. The opportunity to join Coach McCombs' staff and build upon what she has revived in two short years was an absolute no-brainer for me."
"Coach McCombs is not only a driven coach, but she is someone I have been lucky to call a close friend since we worked together at Northwestern for Joe McKeown. This is a special place with extraordinary people close to my heart. I can't wait to connect with current players and reconnect with alumni and friends," said Jaques.
Jaques most recently served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Seton Hall for one season under Anthony Bozzella. In 2022-23, the Pirates went 19-15 overall and 10-10 in the Big East Conference, earning a bid to the 2023 WNIT, where they topped Saint Joseph's before falling to Syracuse in the second round. Jaques coached a pair of Big East All-Conference players in Lauren Park-Lane (First Team) and Sidney Cooks (Second Team).
Prior to her time at Seton Hall, Jaques served as the head coach of the Siena women's basketball team for nine seasons. Under her direction, Siena won 116 games and advanced to the Championship of the WBI in 2014-15 as part of the Saints' first winning season in 11 years.
Before leading Siena, Jaques was an associate head coach with McKeown at Northwestern for four seasons and has also served as an assistant coach at Dayton (2005-06), Furman (2002-05), Sacred Heart (1999-02) and Rider (1998-99).
Jaques is a 1998 graduate of New York University, where she played basketball and soccer.
Hailey Zeise
Assistant Coach/Director of Recruiting
"I am thrilled with the addition of Hailey to our coaching staff," said McCombs. "Having recruited and coached Hailey during my time at Stony Brook, we have a unique bond and I am certain she'll be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes both on and off the court."
Zeise most recently served as an Academic Counselor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Prior to her time at Pitt, Zeise spent four years at Stony Brook University in Long Island, N.Y., playing under Coach McCombs. Zeise was a three-year starter and captain, leading her team to back-to-back America East conference championship titles in 2020 and 2021. Zeise was recognized for her performance on and off the court, earning multiple All-Conference honors including All-Championship Team in 2020 and 2021, All-Defensive Team in 2021, All-Academic Team in 2021, and America East Helping Hands Team in 2020.
"I am so excited to be a part of the George Washington women's basketball program with Coach McCombs," said Zeise. "I want to extend a huge thank you to her for giving me the opportunity to join her staff at GW and I can't wait to help GW women's basketball compete at the highest level in the Atlantic 10."
In addition to her role on the basketball team, Zeise served as a representative for multiple student-athlete leadership groups, including the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Academy of Leaders and Black Student Athlete Huddle.
Zeise graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Business Management in 2020. Zeise then returned to Stony Brook to use her final year of eligibility in 2020-21, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration and was awarded the Athletic Director's Award for her career achievements.
Peggy Keegan
Director of Basketball Operations
"We're grateful to add Peggy to our team as the Director of Basketball Operations," said McCombs. "Peggy brings exceptional skills from her personal relationships to her career in business that will suit her well in this new role."
Keegan arrives in Foggy Bottom following a 33-year career working for Verizon Global Networks in the telephone business. With an Engineering background, Keegan held multiple roles at Verizon including Director of IT Operations, Director of IT Technical Services, and Director of GNI Engineering.
"Coming from a business background, I'm thrilled to begin my journey as Director of Basketball Operations at GW," said Keegan. "I want to thank coach McCombs for believing in me and the skills I bring to the table. GW is a special place and I'm very appreciative to be part of this great university."
Following her retirement from Verizon in 2003, Keegan held various other roles including positions in telecommunications, customer service, and opening her own bed and breakfast in Maine. Keegan most recently served as the Senior Registrar for All-State Careers in Baltimore, Md. She held that position for nearly three years before joining GW's women's basketball staff.
Reilly Howard
Graduate Assistant
Howard most recently served as Assistant Coach for St. Mary's College of Maryland. While with St. Mary's, Howard's main duties included coordinating all facets of team travel, breaking down all film for team use, assisting in the daily operation of team practices, holding individual skill sessions with student-athletes, and managing the program's social media accounts.
Prior to her role at St. Mary's, Howard served as a student manager for Florida State's women's basketball program from 2017-2022. With the Seminoles, Howard's duties included assisting in daily practices, coordinating facility setup for home events, operating on-campus recruiting activities, coding practice and game film, and helping compile scouting reports.
Howard graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management from Florida State in 2020. She then returned to FSU and earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management as well, graduating in 2022.
Evelyn Adebayo
Graduate Assistant
Adebayo lands at GW after a three-year professional career in Spain and Poland. A native of London, England, Adebayo spent the last two seasons with Energa Torun in the Basket Liga Kobiet. While with Torun, Adebayo averaged 8.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.
Adebayo began her collegiate career with Gardner-Webb in 2015. She spent two seasons with the Bulldogs, playing in 56 total games. While with Gardner-Webb, Adebayo averaged 13.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. Following her sophomore season, Adebayo transferred to Murray State where she spent two seasons. She was ultimately redshirted her first year with the Racers, but would go on to start in all 30 games for the team the following year. In 2018-19, Adebayo averaged 18.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists; all of which were career-highs. This prompted Adebayo to transfer to UConn for her final year of eligibility, playing for the Huskies in 2019-20. Under Geno Auriemma's guidance, Adebayo appeared in 22 games, averaging 1.0 points and 2.1 rebounds off the bench. The Huskies were primed to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, but it was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adebayo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Murray State in 2019 and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from UConn in 2020. Prior to her collegiate career, Adebayo also represented her country as part of the Great Britain U16 national team in the European Championships.
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