LIVONIA, Mich. –Madonna University head Women's Basketball coach Jaresha Obey  is stepping down following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season to focus on being the district athletic director for Romulus School District while continuing to serve as an officer in the Air Force national guard, concluding a notable five-season tenure in Livonia. Obey departs building the program from her start in the 2021-2022 season, Obey captured the program's best season in six years in the 2023-2024 season.

Obey joined Madonna ahead of the 2021-2022 season, bringing with her ten years of coaching experience from being the Wayne State University Recruiting Coordinator/Post Coach/Lead Scout (2019-2020), coaching at the University of District Columbia, (2015-2019), the assistant coach and interim head coach at Delaware State University, (2014-2015), and the then Rochester University Assistant Coach/Head JV Coach (2010-2014).

During her time with the Crusaders, Obey compiled a women's WHAC tournament appearance in 2022 and 2024 and the programs first .500 record in the 2024-25 season since 2016-17. Obey also in just one year recruited and signed a recruiting class of 20 new student athletes and started the development team (2021-2022). Obey also dedicated countless hours to serving our local community through outreach and service initiatives.

Obey also emphasized academic and individual development. Her tenure produced 5 WHAC All-Conference selections, including two first team selections, one second team selection, and two all-freshman team selections, and also 34 WHAC All-Academic honorees.

"We are extremely grateful for all the contributions Coach Obey made to Madonna and the Women's basketball program," said Director of Athletics Noel Emenhiser. "Her unwavering commitment has helped our program and athletic department grow. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes as our previous Senior Women's Administrator and supported the department in countless ways. We wish Jaresha all the best in this next chapter of her life."

Obey's leave closes a chapter defined by program growth and stability. Moving forward, Madonna University will conduct a national search for the program's next leader.