NORFOLK, Va. --- Norfolk State women's basketball head coach Jermaine Woods announced the addition of Mossi Staples to his staff as the director of operations and assistant coach on Thursday afternoon.
"I am extremely pleased to have Moz continue her coaching journey alongside me here at Norfolk State," Woods said. "She's like a daughter to me, and I deeply value her commitment to excellence. Moz has a unique ability to connect with players while also commanding respect as a coach—qualities that will be a tremendous asset to our program."
Staples arrives at NSU after spending one season as a graduate assistant under Coach Woods at Coppin State. She helped lead the Eagles to a 19-15 record and their second-ever postseason win, defeating Colgate in the first round of the WNIT.
"I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity Coach Woods has given me to be part of the Norfolk State family," Staples said. "From playing under him as a student-athlete to serving as his graduate assistant at Coppin State, he has played a pivotal role in my growth both on and off the court. I'm excited to bring that experience and mentorship full circle and help develop the next generation of young women here at Norfolk State."
Before joining the coaching ranks, Staples played three seasons at Coppin State. As a junior, she averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, earning All-MEAC Second Team honors. She finished second in the MEAC in free throws made (107) and ranked fifth in scoring.
Staples earned All-MEAC Third Team recognition during her first year at Coppin State, finishing second in the league and 28th nationally in steals per game with a 2.6 average.
Staples began her collegiate career at Northeastern University, where she recorded the second-best free throw percentage in the CAA at 81.8 percent. As a freshman, she earned CAA Rookie of the Week honors following a standout performance against Hartford, finishing with five points, four rebounds and two steals.
A standout at Oxon Hill High School (Md.), Staples scored more than 1,000 career points and posted a single-game high of 32 points. She earned recognition as the top defender in the state and was a two-time team MVP.
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