CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte Head Women's Basketball Coach Jen Brown has announced the promotion of Aylesha Wade to assistant coach. Wade joins the Royals' coaching staff after serving as the program's special assistant to the head coach during the 2025-26 season.
"Aylesha has earned this opportunity through her hard work, loyalty and unwavering dedication to our program," Brown said. It's truly an honor to be in a position to reward Aylesha's commitment by elevating her to assistant coach. As a former Queens student-athlete, she understands the standard and culture we're building because she's lived it. Aylesha has embraced every opportunity to grow as a leader, and I believe she is stepping into the role she was called to fulfill. She possesses the character, work ethic and passion that will make her an outstanding coach and servant leader. I'm excited to see the impact she'll continue to have on our student-athletes and our program."
A familiar face within the program, Wade competed for the Royals during the 2024-25 season before transitioning into a behind-the-scenes role on the staff. In her time as special assistant, she contributed across numerous areas of the program, including opponent scouting, game preparation, film exchange, player development, recruiting, travel coordination, community service efforts and day-to-day operations. Wade also played a key role in the development of Queens' guards, leading and assisting with individual workouts.
"I am so blessed to have been put into this position," Wade said. "Two years ago, I wore Queens across my chest with so much pride, and to be here today as an assistant coach means the world to me. It is such a full-circle moment for me, and I am so excited to pour back into a program that has given so much to me. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity."
During her lone season as a Royal, Wade appeared in 29 games and made 25 starts. She averaged 9.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while connecting on 33.3 percent of her three-point attempts. The York, South Carolina native recorded a season-high 27 points and was named to the All-Academic Team.
Prior to arriving at Queens, Wade played two seasons at Charlotte, where she was part of the 49ers' NCAA Tournament team during the 2021-22 campaign. Her playing career began at Clover High School, where she became the program's all-time leading scorer with more than 2,000 career points. Wade was a four-time all-state selection, the 2021 SCBCA 5A Co-Player of the Year and helped lead Clover to a state championship during her senior season.
Outside of her work with the Royals, Wade has gained additional coaching through the Jen Brown Basketball Camp and YMCA Camp Thunderbird. She is also a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and is a graduate of the "So You Want To Be A Coach" program.
Wade currently holds a bachelor's in Health Care Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is on track to earn her second bachelor's degree in sociology from Queens in December 2026.
