Tallahassee State College Names Chelsea Waters as New Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Tallahassee, Fla.  - May 5, 2025 — Tallahassee State College is proud to announce the promotion of Chelsea Waters to Head Coach of the Women's Basketball Team. Waters, who served as the team's lead assistant during the 2024–25 season, brings a global perspective, elite playing experience, and a deep commitment to the program's growth.

Waters, who is originally from Lewiston Idaho, joined the coaching staff last season and quickly became a cornerstone of the team's development and strategy. Before arriving at TSC, she had an impressive eight-year professional career playing overseas in Portugal, Spain, Germany Finland, and the Czech Republic. She then joined Smooth Handles academy in Germany where she served as an assistant coach and worked with high-level international players. As a collegiate player, Waters had a standout four-year career at Gonzaga University, where she helped lead the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two West Coast Conference championships.

Waters will be the eighth head coach in TSC Women's Basketball program history.

Director of Athletics, Chuck Moore commented on the hiring of Chelsea Waters, saying:

"After a thorough national search for our next women's head basketball coach, I realized I didn't have to look far, the perfect candidate was right down the hall. Chelsea Waters brings to TSC a pedigree that includes playing at a nationally recognized program like Gonzaga and competing as a professional athlete. Her impact was felt immediately last season, and I'm excited to see what she can do by moving over one seat. Chelsea is definitely going to leave a legacy on our program, our campus, and in this community.

Coach Waters aims to build a program with an emphasis on player development and a connected team culture. Her vision is to build the program back to a championship caliber by using her collegiate and international coaching and playing experience.  

"My vision for the TSC Women's Basketball program is to build a competitive, high-character team that excels on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.," said Waters. "I'm honored for the opportunity to lead this program and excited for what's ahead."

Lisa Fortier, who coached Chelsea Waters at Gonzaga University, offered the following on her former player's new role:

"Chelsea is going to do a great job as the next head coach of Tallahassee State College. She was a very versatile player who got to experience the game from a variety of different positions. She has continued to grow and evolve as a pro, and I am confident that she will do the same as a coach. She's a high-integrity person, with a wide breadth of experiences to share for someone of her age. The players are going to love her. I am so excited to follow her coaching career."

Preston Beverly, former Assistant Coach at Missouri, shared his support:

"This is as amazing hire by President Dr. Jim Murdaugh and Director of Athletics, Chuck Moore. Chelsea has the makings of being a great college head coach. She's not just a strategist but a true educator who will foster both athletic excellence and personal growth in her players. I look forward to witnessing the impact she will bring to the Women's program along with the community of Tallahassee."

Waters' former AAU coach Steve Klees, who is the director of Northwest Blazers AAU program shared his support:

"She's a tireless worker who has competed all over the country and has won championships at every level, a two-time AAU national champion, a high school state champion, and a college conference champion. Her track record speaks for itself. She brings a wealth of basketball knowledge, an unmatched work ethic, and a deep passion for the game. She's won everywhere she's been, and I have no doubt she'll bring that same winning mentality to her new role. She's a great hire as head coach, and one thing's for sure; she will absolutely grind to win."

Details about Coach Chelsea Waters' introductory press conference will be announced in the near future.