Women's Basketball Announces Russell, Howard to Coaching Staff
10/20/2025 | 3:49:00 | Women's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - During the 2025-26 pre-season, women's basketball head coach KellyBond-White added the hiring of Harison Russell and Blake Howard to the coaching staff.
Russell was previously a graduate assistant for Southern Illinois under Coach Bond for two seasons from 2022 to 2024 and spent the 2024-25 campaign as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State.
Prior to SIU, Russell worked with Coach Bond at Texas A&M as a student manager.
While serving as a full-time assistant coach, including off-campus recruiting,  Russell will also replace the duties of SIU Hall of Famer Cartaesha Macklin, who left the program for familial responsibilities.Â
"Harison knows our program, our young ladies, and SIU. He joined us this summer, allowing Coach Mack the opportunity to help in his transition back to SIU. We are excited to have him back in a much different capacity. His work ethic and attention to detail touch every phase of our program."
Howard, who is a graduate of SIU, entered the collegiate coaching world as an assistant women's basketball and strength and conditioning coach at Phoenix College (NJCAA) in 2024-25.
Before Phoenix, Howard served as an assistant coach at North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Arizon, from 2022-23.  The Homewood, Illinois, native was then promoted to varsity head coach in 2023-24.
Howard's first coaching opportunity came in 2020 on the AAU circuit with Hoop Code Basketball Academy in Arizona.Â
At SIU, Howard is currently pursuing a Master's in Sports Administration.
"Blake jumped right into classes this past August. There's something about someone who wants to relocate across the country to come home. Blake was first brought to my attention at last year's Final Four. I loved his energy and passion for the university. He served as a practice player during his undergrad years, which showed me he could serve unselfishly. He brings diverse experience to our staff. He has an opportunity to make the program better in a variety of ways.
FOLLOWÂ THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.Â
Russell was previously a graduate assistant for Southern Illinois under Coach Bond for two seasons from 2022 to 2024 and spent the 2024-25 campaign as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State.
Prior to SIU, Russell worked with Coach Bond at Texas A&M as a student manager.
While serving as a full-time assistant coach, including off-campus recruiting,  Russell will also replace the duties of SIU Hall of Famer Cartaesha Macklin, who left the program for familial responsibilities.Â
"Harison knows our program, our young ladies, and SIU. He joined us this summer, allowing Coach Mack the opportunity to help in his transition back to SIU. We are excited to have him back in a much different capacity. His work ethic and attention to detail touch every phase of our program."
Howard, who is a graduate of SIU, entered the collegiate coaching world as an assistant women's basketball and strength and conditioning coach at Phoenix College (NJCAA) in 2024-25.
Before Phoenix, Howard served as an assistant coach at North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Arizon, from 2022-23.  The Homewood, Illinois, native was then promoted to varsity head coach in 2023-24.
Howard's first coaching opportunity came in 2020 on the AAU circuit with Hoop Code Basketball Academy in Arizona.Â
At SIU, Howard is currently pursuing a Master's in Sports Administration.
"Blake jumped right into classes this past August. There's something about someone who wants to relocate across the country to come home. Blake was first brought to my attention at last year's Final Four. I loved his energy and passion for the university. He served as a practice player during his undergrad years, which showed me he could serve unselfishly. He brings diverse experience to our staff. He has an opportunity to make the program better in a variety of ways.
FOLLOWÂ THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.Â
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