Erica Adams in her first season as an assistant coach at UC Davis in 2026-27. In additon to her coaching duties, Adams is reponsible for opponent scouting and assists with daily team operations and travel logistics. She also also serves as a liason to a faculty mentor, campus clubs and programs and donors, while also coordinated community outreach initiatives and other program related events.
"We're thrilled to welcome Erica to our Aggie family," head coach
Jennifer Gross said after Adams' hiring was announced on June 24, 2026. "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 became familiar with the Aggies after competing against UC Davis during her collegiate career at CSUN from 2023-25. Adams earned numerous academic honors at CSUN, 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 served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-President. Adams graduated from CSUN 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 in three-point field goal percentage (50.0%).
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 upon her hiring. "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."
