The USA Today and Naismith National Coach of the Year, Washington Post All-Met Coach of the Year to Lead All of Girls Basketball at The St. James
SPRINGFIELD, Va., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The St. James is proud to announce Tamika Dudley as Academy Head Coach of The St. James Performance Academy and Director of Girls Basketball, overseeing all training, team and competitive offerings. A nationally recognized coach with a proven track record of developing elite basketball players, Dudley brings unparalleled experience to The St. James, strengthening its position as a premier destination for high-level girls basketball training and competition.
The two-time Hall of Fame inductee has established herself as one of the top high school basketball coaches in the country, leading Sidwell Friends School to multiple national, state and conference championships. Ranked No. 1 in the area by the Washington Post and No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps, the Dudley-led Sidwell Friends program most recently won the 2025 DC State Championship and repeated as Independent School League Champions. Under her leadership, Sidwell Friends achieved an undefeated 30-0 season in 2021-22, finishing as the No. 1-ranked team in the country. Dudley’s 2022-23 team finished ranked No. 2 in the country.
Throughout her coaching career, Dudley has helped numerous athletes earn Division I scholarships, with players competing at some of the nation’s top programs, including:
- Kiki Rice (’22): Four-Time USA Gold Medalist, Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Girls Player of the Year, USA Today National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, McDonald’s All American, Two-Time DC Gatorade Player of the Year. Junior at No. 4 ranked UCLA. Rice was the highest ranked recruit in the history of the UCLA women’s basketball program and is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.
- Jadyn Donovan (’23): Three-Time USA Gold Medalist, Jordan Brand All American, McDonald’s All American, Jersey Mike’s All American, DC Gatorade Player of the Year. Sophomore at No. 11 ranked Duke University.
- Kendall Dudley (’24): USA Gold Medalist, McDonald’s All American, Washington Post First Team All-Met, Five-star recruit, member of 2024 USA Women’s Nike Hoop Summit Team. Freshman at No. 4 ranked UCLA.
- Zania Socka-Nguemen (’24): McDonald’s All American, Washington Post First Team All-Met, Five-star recruit. Freshman at No. 4 UCLA.
- Jordyn Jackson (’26): Five-Star recruit, ESPNW No. 9, member of 2023 U16 national team that won a gold medal.
- Autumn Fleary (’26): Five-Star recruit, ESPNW No. 14.
A former standout athlete herself, Dudley had an illustrious college career at Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn from 1999 to 2003. She was a three-time All-Northeast Conference (NEC) First Team selection and earned NEC Player of the Year honors in 2001-02. Upon graduation, she held six school records, including most career points (1,745) and assists (380). She was inducted in the LIU Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Tamika Dudley’s impact on the game speaks for itself,” said Elyse Graziano, Chief Sports Officer at The St. James. “She has a track record of elevating programs and preparing athletes for success at the highest levels. Her leadership, experience, and ability to develop players make her the perfect fit to grow our basketball program.”
The St. James Basketball Program provides athletes with elite training, competition exposure, and comprehensive performance support. Key features include:
- Four regulation-size basketball courts built for training and competition.
- Seating for 1,000+ spectators with retractable bleachers and high-rise glass.
- High ceilings and zero columns for an unobstructed playing experience.
- Film study and analytics to enhance player development and strategy.
- Recovery resources, including Courted spa, cryotherapy, and compression therapy.
- Nutrition support with customized meal planning from Vim & Victor.
- College recruitment guidance to help athletes connect with NCAA programs.
Dudley’s coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, leadership, and player growth. In 2024, she expanded her impact on the sport by joining USA Basketball as an assistant coach for the Women’s Nike Hoop Summit Team, where she helped guide the nation’s top high school seniors in international competition.
“I’m excited for this next chapter with The St. James,” said Dudley. “This program has incredible potential, and I’m looking forward to working with young athletes who are motivated to push themselves. My goal is to create a culture of excellence where players develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to succeed both on and off the court.”
Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are now open at www.thestjames.com/academy.
- Open House & Evaluation Day: Saturday, March 23, 1-3pm
- Evaluation Day Sign Up
- Shadow days for prospective students available by request
For more information, visit www.thestjames.com and follow @thestjames on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About The St. James
The St. James Teams give elite athletes year-round training, professional coaching, and competition across multiple sports. With access to state-of-the-art facilities—including performance centers, full-size fields, and recovery spaces—athletes train in an environment built for high-level development. Expert-led programs focus on skill refinement, strength and conditioning, and competitive readiness, preparing players for collegiate athletics, professional careers, and long-term success.
Contact:
Kristine Friend
703-239-6870
391073@email4pr.com
SOURCE The St. James
