FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball Head Coach Ryan McAdams has announced the additions of Kade Hackerott and Alexis Tolefree to the coaching staff as assistant coaches.
Both join the Lions' staff directly following their playing career.
Hackerott comes to UAFS after finishing her collegiate career at UT-Rio Grande Valley where she played two years for the Vaqueras, earning Second Team All-Southland Conference honors as a senior. She started all 32 games, and led the team in minutes, three-point percentage, free throws made, steals and scoring with 13.1 points per game.
"I am thrilled to add Coach Hack to the Lion family," McAdams said. "Coaching is in her blood, being the daughter of a long-time college coach, and she is ready for this new role. She has familiarity with the MIAA and is as consistent as they come. She sets the tone for our athletes each day and we're happy to have her as she begins her career. Her energy is contagious."
A two-time team captain, Hackerott was one of 11 individuals named to the Division 1-AAA Scholar-Athlete Team. She played three seasons at Central Missouri prior to UTRGV, advancing to the Final Four in 2021 and finishing runner-up at the MIAA tournament in 2023.
"I'm extremely thankful to start my coaching career at UAFS under Coach McAdams," Hackerott said. "I look forward to working with these incredible young women, and I hope I can have a positive impact not only on the court, but in their lives as well."
Tolefree joins the coaching ranks after an illustrious collegiate career and multiple seasons playing overseas professionally. She most recently played for Olympiacos (Greece), Holon (Israel), and Interclube (Angola) following a Cup Championship and Cup MVP at Prishtina (Kosovo).
"I have followed Coach Lex's playing career since her junior college days when we crossed paths at the NJCAA All-Star Weekend," McAdams said. "She brings a winning high-level pedigree to our group and walks the walk. She is intentional with her enthusiasm every day and our student-athletes appreciate it. It's exciting how she got to start her coaching career in her home state."
Prior to playing professionally, Tolefree starred for two seasons at the University of Arkansas, earning First Team All-SEC honors as a senior averaging 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. She was a two-time NJCAA All-American at Jones County Community College before joining the Razorbacks.
"I am super excited to start my coaching career and learn from such a great coach like Coach McAdams," Tolefree said. "I am excited for the season and what's in store!"
"With 12 new student-athletes on the roster, they both have their work cut out for them every day," McAdams added. "They are up to the challenge and are embracing the opportunity to positively impact those around them. They're going to be terrific."
The Lions play an exhibition game at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville on October 30 with their first official game at home on November 14.
