Nicholls women’s basketball head coach Justin Payne resigned to take a job as associate head coach for the Georgia Bulldogs. The Nicholls Worth reached out to Coach Justin Payne, but he was unavailable for comment.
During the off-season, it is common to endure many roster changes and coaching turnovers. With the implementation of the transfer portal, there are more and more players moving every season. The movement of a coach, especially a head coach, is slightly less common and presents a different set of challenges.
The team has been learning to navigate these challenges since the decision about coach Payne was announced. Payne, who has helped the Colonels secure the most wins in Nicholls women’s basketball history through his first three years, left a lasting impression on his players and coaching staff.
Junior forward Jasmine Matthews said that coach Payne had a huge impact on her personally and on the team as a whole.
“Entering the portal, coming from ULL, he was the first coach to reach out to me. He really believed in what I could do, so he definitely had a big impact on me.”
“He taught us that things don’t always go the way you want them to, but it’s about how you finish. Because we didn’t really have the season that we wanted to have, but I still think we finished strong,” Matthews said.
Payne coached with an intensity and tempo that demanded players match his energy. Sophomore forward Laryn Scott said his approach pushed players to bring the same level of effort.
He watched films, practiced, worked out and played games, all with the same focus and purpose. Payne was dedicated to winning and bettering the Nicholls program throughout his time here.
Athletic Director Jonathan Terrell said, “Losing great people is never easy, but when they leave something better than they found it, you can’t help but wish them the very best.”
Of course, losing your head coach comes as a surprise to everyone involved, with multiple Colonels players expressing that they were caught off guard.
Next season’s returning players (Anyra Wilson, Scott and Matthews) said they were “shocked” when hearing the news of coach Payne. However, they are ready to rally around their coaching staff, with whom they already have great relationships.
Star freshman guard Anyra Wilson said, “It definitely sucks a little, but based on the connection I also had with the assistant coaches I think it’s something we’re going through together while still having that same fun program to be around,” she said, “We understand the work that it takes and now we have to get back to work.”
With former assistant coach Jayln Johnson-Joubert, “Coach Jay,” being promoted to head coach, there is a sense of familiarity. Scott said that both coaches are similar in the intensity and passion that they bring, but also in the way they both care for their players. “She’s [Coach Jay] so excited to be here, she always sees the best in us and she wants what’s best for us. That’s all you can ask for as a player.”
Wilson described them both as “a ball of energy,” saying, “Whatever they do it’s going to be with a lot of energy, and they focus on their players having the same amount of energy and even more.”
Since the announcement, the team has grown closer together. Team chemistry and the locker room have not been an issue, according to the players. Scott, Matthews and Wilson all said that the situation “has brought them closer if anything.” Matthews said that being the only three returning players gives them opportunities to discuss their roles and to explore how they can best affect the game in the upcoming season.
The Colonels believe in their new head coach and have confidence in what they are building for their future. Players expressed high hopes and belief in the coaching staff and the team’s ability in the upcoming season, with desires of building off of this past season’s success.
“To win a championship is the main goal. I want to have a good season myself, definitely be all conference. I feel like I was close to it last year but this year I’m going to really bump it up, but I want that conference championship,” Matthews said.
Scott echoed the sentiment, saying, “The goal is to win a championship. I think with the right people and with our coaching staff, that is literally amazing, I think we will accomplish that.”
The Colonels will carry the legacy of coach Payne and all the lessons that he instilled in them. However, they are prepared for the new era under Coach Jay, with high expectations and equal energy. The new wave of Colonels women’s basketball is in full swing.
