Former ACCC Star Returns As New Leader Of Women’s Basketball Team

For over 50 years, Atlantic Cape Community College has been providing the opportunity for post-high school education for South Jersey students.

Aside from educational advancement and professional development opportunities, one of the underappreciated options that community and junior colleges offer High School Graduates is an opportunity to continue playing sports.

For High School Athletes who don't have the resources to go to major universities without scholarships, community colleges offer them the opportunity to continue playing. Some famous professional athletes who got their start at community and junior colleges include:

*Philadelphia Eagles Two-time Super Bowl Champion Right Tackle Lane Johnson (Kilgore College:)
*Pro Basketball Hall of Famer and 5-time NBA Champion Dennis Rodman (Cooke County College)
*Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza (Miami-Dade College)
*Olympic Gold Medalist and 3-time WNBA MVP Award Winner Sheryl Swoopes (South Plains College)

ACCC Alumni Returns To Coach Basketball

Before the 21st Century, Atlantic Cape Community College did not have much of an athletics history aside from the nationally competitive archery program. But almost 20 years ago, the basketball glass ceiling was broken at ACCC.

Ricky White Jr. attended Atlantic Cape Community College from 2006-08, during which he became the first 1,000-point scorer in ACCC Basketball history. But when he stopped playing competitive organized ball, it didn't mean his love for the game of basketball "retired".

White has remained active in the local basketball scene, coaching numerous AAU teams along with three years coaching Special Olympics basketball. He spent the last six years as the Head Basketball Coach at the Yale School in Northfield.

Now he is turning his taking on a new challenge, as the new Women's Head Basketball Coach at Atlantic Cape Community College. Over 20 years, women's basketball was an afterthought for many in South Jersey. But the rise of the popularity of the women's game nationally, we have also seen numerous South Jersey High School Programs become contenders for state titles.

Ricky White spoke to 973 ESPN South Jersey about how he became the new Women's Head Basketball Coach at ACCC:

"What led me to coaching at Atlantic Cape Community College was a series of unexpected twists and turns. I originally came to support the men’s basketball team, and speak with the athletic director about the (college's) Hall of Fame....I never imagined it would lead to a coaching opportunity."

But for the former ACCC Men's Basketball Star, he understands how dissimilar the environment he played in almost 20 years ago was compared to the world he walked into as a head coach:

"The biggest difference between when I played at Atlantic Cape Community College and now is the atmosphere. Everything has changed (at the college): There’s a new floor, a new weight room, new locker rooms, and new bleachers. It feels like a completely new school (compared to when I played here). Atlantic Cape has improved the campus in so many ways."

Not every former athlete can become a coach, though. Just because you played a sport for most of your life doesn't mean you know how to communicate, teach, and coach others about the game. Ricky White's unique experiences as a player have prepared him to be the coach he is today:

"Becoming the (Atlantic Cape Community College's) first 1,000-point scorer has helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. In high school, I didn’t get much playing time, which can really affect your confidence. That experience now helps me as a coach (because) I can teach players the techniques and mindset I developed to become a better offensive player. Every athlete I’ve worked with has shown improvement in their scoring."

The ACCC Women's Basketball Home opener is Tuesday, November 25th with tipoff scheduled for 5pm. The Pitney Gymnasium on the Mays Landing Campus will host the matchup between the Atlantic Cape Lady Bucs versus Rowan College Cumberland County.

Coach White talked to 973 ESPN South Jersey about his aspirations for the 2025-26 ACCC Women's Basketball season, and how his plans are not just about winning on the scoreboard:

"My goal is for us to start and finish this season united as a team, showing respect to every opponent, whether in victory or defeat. I expect us to make a deep run in the (National Junior College Athletic Association Region 19 Playoffs). I also want each player to achieve their personal goals, whether that’s playing at the next level or continuing to grow into the remarkable young women they already are."