Former University of Alabama standout Joni Crenshaw has been named as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Troy State University.

A two-year starter at Alabama and a 1996 High School All-America selection by Street & Smith and USA Today, the 23-year-old Crenshaw joins first-year head coach Michael Murphy, who served as an assistant coach at Alabama during Crenshaw’s career.

"We are very fortunate to have someone like Joni," Murphy said. "I consider her top-shelf in every area. She represents what every student-athlete should strive to become. She will be a great advocate of what Troy State represents."

The Meridian, Miss., native played four seasons for the Crimson Tide from 1997-2001, finishing with 716 career points, 555 rebounds and 103 blocked shots. She started the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons at center, finishing third on the school’s list for blocked shots in a career.

While at Alabama, Crenshaw was also active in the community and on campus, frequently addressing large groups as part of the Crimson Tide’s community service program. In 2000, she was named to the Southeastern Conference’s Good Works team.

She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Education from Alabama earlier this year.

Crenshaw led Meridian High School to a combined 67-7 record during her final two seasons, being named as Mississippi’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. That season, MHS finished 32-2 and won the state championship.

She also won three state titles in track & field during her high school career and was selected as the school’s Homecoming Queen in 1996.

Crenshaw said the opportunity to come to Troy State was one she couldn’t pass up.

"I have known Coach Murphy for some time now, and I know what he expects," Crenshaw said. "Being a part of a new staff is exciting. I think it’s a great opportunity."