William Carey University

Jessica (Pucheu) Garriga begins her 10th season coaching at William Carey and her first as head women’s basketball coach.
 
The Kiln, Miss. native, first arrived at William Carey in 2001 as a transfer point guard. During her freshman year at USM, she experienced an ACL knee injury and transferred to Pearl River Community College for her sophomore year. She played two years as a Crusader under Tracy English and earned All-Conference recognition.
 
In 2014, Garriga’s #10 jersey was retired at Hancock High School where she holds the school record for most points in a single game (42) and total career points (2,751).
 
In 2018, Garriga was selected to attend the WBCA Coaches Leadership Workshop at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. 
 
In 2019, Garriga was elected as Chair of the SSAC Women’s Leadership Committee. She received the 2020 SSAC Woman of the Year Award.
 
In 2022, Garriga was selected to attend the NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy in Kansas City, MO.
 
In 2023, Garriga was named Assistant Athletic Director- Senior Woman Leader (SWL) at William Carey.
 
In 2024, Garriga helped lead the Lady Crusaders to SSAC Conference Championship and an NAIA Opening Round appearance, first time accomplished since 2006. They finished with a record of 22-5 (15-3). She was named the NAIA Senior Women Leader Association (SWLA) representative for the Southern States Athletic Conference.
 
In 2025, Garriga was named NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. She helped lead the team to another SSAC Conference Championship including an outstanding 25-0 undefeated regular season and an NAIA Opening Round appearance. They finished with a record of 26-2 (16-0).
 
Garriga earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from William Carey in 2004 and a Master of Science with emphasis in Mathematics Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2009. She also serves in the William Carey School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics. She is a member of the Women’s' Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Women Leaders in Sports.
 
Garriga is married to her husband, Jeremy Garriga, and they have three daughters (Jacey, Jenna, and Jaleigh).