Former Division I student-athlete Erica Adams has been hired to join the UC Davis women’s basketball team as assistant coach. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - As UC Davis women's basketball prepares for its transition to the Mountain West Conference, head coach Jennifer Gross has strengthened her staff with the hiring of former Division I student-athlete Erica Adams as an assistant coach.

“We're thrilled to welcome Erica to our Aggie family!” said head coach Jennifer Gross. “From the moment we began getting to know her, it was clear that she would be a perfect fit for our staff and culture. Erica's positivity, enthusiasm and authentic approach to building relationships make her a tremendous addition to our program. She has a natural gift for connecting with people, and we're excited for the impact she'll have on our student-athletes, alumni and the entire UC Davis community.”

A Bay Area native from Oakland, Adams is already familiar with the Aggies after competing against UC Davis during her collegiate career at CSUN from 2023-25. As a senior, she appeared in two contests against the Aggies while also earning numerous academic honors, including recognition on the 2024 Dean's List, selection to the 2024-25 Big West Academic All-Conference Team, placement on the Big West Commissioner's Honor Roll with Highest Honors, and serving as CSUN's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-President. Adams graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Prior to joining the Matadors, Adams spent three seasons at Pacific. As a freshman in 2020-21, she earned All-West Coast Conference Freshman Team honors after leading the Tigers with a 50 percent three-point field goal percentage.

Following graduation, Adams began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Concordia University Irvine while pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership. In her lone season with the Golden Eagles, she helped guide the program to a 14-14 record and a berth in the PacWest Conference Championships.

Before her collegiate career, Adams was a standout student-athlete at California High School in San Ramon. She earned All-League honors in each of her four seasons and was named East Bay Athletic League MVP in 2020 after helping lead the program to its first league championship. Off the court, Adams gained early coaching experience working with her high school's girls basketball summer league, where she developed a passion for mentorship and leadership.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join head coach Jennifer Gross and the UC Davis women's basketball program,” Adams said. “My experiences as a Division I student-athlete and collegiate coach have cultivated a deep passion for mentoring and empowering young women through the game of basketball. Coach Gross has built a championship culture rooted in joy, excellence and meaningful relationships, and I am honored to be part of it. I am excited to get to work, invest in our student-athletes and help continue the tradition of success at UC Davis.”