Bio

Frances King enters her first season (2026-27) as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for the Thunderbirds.

“We are very excited to be able to add Frances King to our basketball family,” NMJC women’s basketball head coach Austin Mefford said. “She stood out throughout the process. Frances is mature beyond her years and has shown her eagerness to help elevate our program and our student-athletes. She was a good player and has been able to translate that knowledge and energy into coaching. I know she will be a great role model for our young women and help them grow and develop on and off the court.” 

King is ready to get to work at NMJC after serving time as a graduate assistant the past two seasons at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

“I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join New Mexico Junior College family,” Frances King said. “NMJC has a strong tradition of excellence, and I can’t wait to help develop our student-athletes, connect with the community, and contribute to the championship culture on and off the court.”

King helped guide the Rattlers to a winning record over two seasons while contributing to one of the team’s strongest defensive stretches in recent years. She also led StMU to a Lone Star Conference Tournament appearance in her tenure with the Rattlers.

Before entering coaching, King completed a successful collegiate playing career at the University of Texas at Tyler (2022-24) and Midwestern State University (2019-22). She finished with more than 1,000 career points, 530 assists, and 171 steals. She also holds the single-game record for assists at Midwestern State with 16.

King earned her bachelor’s degree in Wellness from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2024 and a master’s degree in Communication Studies from St. Mary’s University in 2026.

She brings a strong passion for player development, recruiting, and building relationships with student-athletes.

King is a native of Rockdale, Texas and enjoys fishing and hiking in her spare time. She will start in her role with the T-Birds on June 15.

The T-Bird women’s basketball program is coming off a prolific season in 2026 that saw NMJC reach the NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Championship.