ames Rice became Benedict College’s head women’s basketball coach in 2012 and has since become the winningest coach in program history. Through the 2025–26 season, Rice has compiled a 247–145 record, leading the Tigers to five SIAC Tournament championships, six division titles, seven 20-win seasons and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He also helped Benedict win two SIAC championships as an assistant coach, making him a seven-time conference champion.
Two of Rice’s teams produced particularly memorable seasons. The 2015–16 Tigers finished 29–3 and advanced to the NCAA South Region championship game. In 2019–20, Benedict posted a 27–3 record, completed an undefeated SIAC regular season and finished among the WBCA’s top 10 teams nationally. In 2026, Rice guided the Tigers to the Black College Invitational Championship.
Rice’s teams are known for pressure defense, relentless rebounding and physical play. During his tenure, Benedict has recorded 12 No. 1 national finishes in NCAA Division II statistical categories. Those results reflect a program built on preparation, toughness, consistency and a clear commitment to team identity.
Several players have earned major honors under Rice, including two-time SIAC Player of the Year and All-American Ay’Anna Bey; SIAC Player of the Year and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Destiny Betts; tournament MVPs Keondra Archie and Latoya Fairley; and SIAC Defensive Player of the Year Alaysia Nash.
Rice has been named HBCU Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year and is a two-time SIAC Coach of the Year. He also serves on the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee and several Women’s Basketball Coaches Association committees, including the Top 25 Coaches Poll, All-America and Coach of the Year committees.
A Benedict alumnus and proud father of two, Rice believes student-athletes should leave his program prepared for more than basketball. He challenges his players to be disciplined, accountable and confident while building genuine relationships and creating an environment where they can grow. His program motto, “All Work Is Easy Work,” reflects his belief that consistent daily preparation makes difficult moments easier to handle and that championship habits are built long before game day.
