HUNTSVILLE -- Jamene Caldwell, coach associate for the Sam Houston State women's basketball the past three years, has been promoted to assistant women's basketball coach, Bearkat head coach Brenda Welch-Nichols has announced.

In her new role, Caldwell will serve as recruiting coordinator and will be responsbile for opponent scouting and video breakdown. She replaces David Beaver who left following the 2009 season to become head coach at Texas A&M International.

"I'm very excited to have Jamene as our top assistant and recruiting coordinator," Nichols said. "She is no stranger to me and this program and has proved herself as a coach. She helped us bring an extremely talented group of young ladies to Sam Houston State and will help us continue to move this program in the right direction."

Caldwell has worked with Nichols both as a coach and a player. Caldwell was a four-year letter winner at South Alabama where Nichols was an assistant coach. Later, Caldwell worked two seasons as an assistant for Nichols at Mercer University before coming to Sam Houston State with Nichols in 2006.

At South Alabama, Caldwell was a four-year letter winner, ranking as one of the Jaguars’ all-time leading shot blockers. She played in 102 games during her South Alabama career, scoring 595 points and pulling down 367 rebounds.

Caldwell received her Bachelor’s degree in political science from South Alabama in 2002. In May 2009, she earned her Masters of Education in Instruction Technology from Sam Houston State University.

A native of Bowling Green, KY, Caldwell was an honorable mention All-State and All-District player for Warren Central High School. She played in the Kentucky High School All-Star game and also was an Academic All-State selection. While at South Alabama , she was one of 300 athletes across the nation to be selected to attended the NCAA Leadership Conference in 2000.

"Jamene is a very talented person with that extra spunk that makes a successful coach," Nichols said. "She is has been great here in Huntsville working in the community and with the players and will be a great fit for our program."

Caldwell and her husband, Mike, have a two sons, Jalen (4) and Ty (born March 6). Caldwell is originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky.