Jimmy Colloton, a 12-year veteran in Division I coaching, joined the Billikens' women's basketball staff as an associate head coach on June 14, 2023.
"When working to elevate and sustain excellence, it is always about the people and the culture. Jimmy is the type of coach you want to learn with and from on a daily basis," said Tillett. "He is a lifelong student of the game who has worked with high level coaches."
Colloton comes to SLU after spending the previous nine years at the United States Naval Academy working with its women's basketball program. He also spent time at Indiana as an assistant coach for the 2013-14 season after serving the program as a graduate assistant from 2011-13.
During his tenure at Saint Louis, the Billikens have compiled a 57-57 record. SLU won the 2023-24 WNIT after a six-game winning streak. Three players earned Atlantic 10 end-of-season honors during his time: Kyla McMakin was named to the All-Conference second team, while Julia Martinez and Kennedy Calhoun were selected to the All-Defensive team. Calhoun received the honor in back-to-back seasons. Peyton Kennedy was named MVP of the 2024 WNIT.
"I am extremely thankful to Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle and
Rebecca Tillett for this incredible opportunity to be part of the women's basketball program," said Colloton. "Coach Tillett and I created some great memories together years ago and I am looking forward to making some more with her at Saint Louis in the future."
Following his three seasons with the Hoosiers, Colloton joined Navy's women's basketball staff in 2014. In Colloton's near decade at the academy, his skill set saw him take on roles such as recruiting coordinator in 2018, associate head coach in 2020-22, as well as a three-month stint as the team's interim head coach in 2020.
In the 2021-22 season with the Mids, Colloton coached top player Jenn Coleman, who earned Navy's first-ever AP All-America status and was named a WNBA prospect after ranking in the nation's top-25 in six categories, including ninth in points per game.
Colloton's recruiting savvy saw three of his classes (2022-23, 2021-22, 2017-18) top the Patriot League rankings. In 2016-2017, the Mids won a program first national postseason tournament game by defeating George Washington in the first round of the WNIT. He also helped oversee the Navy women to a runner-up conference tournament finish during the 2017-18 season and a program-best 25 wins.
Prior to his time in Annapolis, Colloton was part of a staff that led the Hoosiers to their best start in program history (14-0) and a spot in the WNIT quarterfinals. He also helped sign a Top-30 recruiting class per the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report (CGBR).
Colloton served as a men's basketball student assistant coach at Wittenberg (Springfield, Ohio), where he graduated with honors in 2011 with a degree in economics.
The Arlington Heights, Ill., native also spent two seasons (2017, 2019) as a WNBA Advanced Scout for the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.
"He has a natural ability to find the details of the game in scouting and teaching that lead to success. We spent four years learning together in an environment where excellence was expected," continued Tillett. "I am looking forward to coaching side by side again with our attention on aggressively elevating SLU women's basketball. We share the ideals of helping women unlock their highest potential. His recruiting experience at Indiana and the United States Naval Academy, combined with the fact that he is a Midwest native, will elevate our recruiting."
Colloton joins Tillett's staff after her inaugural season with SLU which saw her lead the Billikens to a program-first A-10 Championship title and an NCAA Tournament berth.
"My family and I are excited to join this diverse community that has such a strong basketball tradition. I can't wait to get to work with this record-breaking team as we strive for championship success on and off the court," finished Colloton.
