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| Coach Janicia Anderson interviews after winning her second consecutive state championship in 2024 at The University of Dayton. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Janicia 'Shaq' Anderson, the second head girls basketball coach at Columbus Africentric Early College High School, has announced her retirement after four seasons with an impressive overall record of 92-18, as stated on her X account.
She did not provide a reason for her retirement; however, she did issue a statement:
"I have decided to retire from Africentric. What an amazing journey this has been. Not enough characters for Twitter lol, but I walk away PROUD of my journey. Proud of every player I had the opportunity to lead and proud of what we accomplished on and off the court," she said.
In 2021, Anderson was promoted to head coach of the program, which is steeped in a legacy of success, having won seven OHSAA state championships under the leadership of former head coach Will McKinney. She added to this legacy by winning two additional championships in 2023 and 2024 during her tenure.
I have decided to retire from Africentric. What an amazing journey this has been . Not enough characters for twitter lol but I walk away PROUD of my journey. Proud of every player I had an opportunity to lead and proud of what we accomplished on and off the court. #AHIGH4LIFE 💜 pic.twitter.com/2bYESgf9iB
— Janicia ‘Shaq’ Anderson (@CoachJaAnderson) August 1, 2025
Anderson also played in the program, graduating in 2006. Before her promotion to head coach, she served as an assistant, contributing to two additional state championships.
"I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to lead such amazing young women," Anderson said to the Columbus Dispatch.
There was an attempt to gain a comment from Athletic Director Liana Coutts and Vincent Clarno, Director of Student Activities for Columbus City Schools, but they declined to comment, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
As of press time, the job is listed on the OHSAA website.
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