Wheeling, W. Va. - On Tuesday, the Wheeling University Basketball programs announced additions to their coaching staffs as they prepare for the 2024-2025 season. Both programs have brought in full-time assistant coaches to help their programs grow into the future. The Wheeling Men's Basketball team has promoted Jared Chambliss to Assistant Men's Basketball Coach and the Wheeling Women's Basketball team has promoted Ella Skeens to Assistant Women's Basketball Coach.
Chambliss, a native of Alexandria Township, N.J., is entering his third season overall with the Cardinals. He first came to Wheeling in the summer of 2022 as a graduate assistant coach and served in that role until June of this year.
"I'm excited to continue my career at Wheeling," said Chambliss. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years here as a graduate assistant, growing both personally and professionally. It has been a privilege working with our players alongside of Coach Richardson, and I'm thrilled to continue in this new capacity."
Chambliss has been instrumental in player development, recruiting, scouting, and the day-to-day operations of the program, and helped the Cardinals to the Mountain East Conference tournament in each of his two seasons.
"We are fired up to have Jared back with us," said Richardson. "He has more than earned this opportunity. Jared exudes professionalism and brings positive energy to our team every single day. He pours himself into the most important part of being a coach, which is the relationships you build with the players. On and off the court, he's reliable and loyal. This is a great day for Wheeling basketball, and I am so thankful to everyone who made it happen."
Prior to joining Wheeling, Chambliss played collegiately at Arcadia University and fellow Atlantic Region member Millersville. Chambliss has also worked extensively on the camp and grassroots circuit with the HoopGroup, and served as an on-site operations coordinator with The Basketball Tournament for each of the last two summers.
Chambliss holds a degree in Sport Management from Arcadia University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and holds a Master's of Business Administration from Wheeling. He will begin his new duties immediately.
Skeens first joined the Cardinals in the summer of 2023 as a graduate assistant coach and was instrumental in helping Wheeling women's basketball to a winning season and Mountain East Conference tournament quarterfinal appearance during the 2023-24 season.
"I couldn't be more excited to be stepping into the role of assistant coach," said Skeens. This past year as a graduate assistant under Coach Kowalska's mentorship has been pivotal in shaping my growth as a coach. I'm deeply grateful for the chance to continue contributing to the program's success in this new role."
Skeens, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, assisted the Cardinals in all aspects of the program last season, including recruiting, scouting, daily operations, and player development. Wheeling finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 18-11, marking the program's best season since the 2016-17 MEC championship team.
"I am so happy for Ella," said Kowalska. "She deserves this. She is a very hard worker who brings great energy to our team every day. She has a bright future in coaching, and we're excited that she's able to move into this new role. It's a great day for our team and program. We are thankful that this was able to come together."
Skeens entered the coaching ranks after a decorated playing career that included stops at the University of Dayton, Ball State University, and Rio Grande University. In her final two seasons at Rio Grande, she led the Red Storm to back-to-back conference championships and national tournament appearances. In each of those seasons, she was named conference Player of the Year. She was also named an NAIA All-American. Skeens holds a degree in Social Science from Rio Grande and is pursuing her MBA from Wheeling.
The Wheeling University Men's and Women's Basketball teams are currently going through off-season training as they prepare for the 2024-2025 season
