Montverde, Fla. (October 9, 2025) – First year girls basketball head coach Anthony Jones has announced his coaching staff for the 2025-26 season and joining him on the sidelines will be assistant coaches Sam Brown, Abner Ham and Taneka Rubin. Each assistant coach brings valuable experience and perspective to the program as the Eagles prepare for another exciting chapter in its prestigious program.
Jones takes over a Montverde Academy girls basketball program that has advanced into the Chipotle High School National championship game each of the last four years. The Eagles won the national championship for the first time in 2022, before winning against in 2023 and 2024. Last year, the Eagles fell in overtime in the championship game.
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Anthony Jones
Jones, who was named head coach on May 23, has a highly decorated career. He spent the past 24 years as a member of the coaching staff of the girls' basketball program at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, including the last 16 as the head coach. During his tenure, he led the Panthers to six Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships (2011, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24) and two High School National championships (2011 & 13). He is a five-time Florida Dairy Farmers Basketball Coach of the Year award (2012, 13, 22, 23, 24) and a two-time National Federation of High Schools Coach of the Year (2011 & 23).
"As the leader of our girls' basketball program, I want to instill in my players that with confidence and great work ethics you can accomplish anything in life," said Jones. "Sports teach many life lessons that we all will learn and use every day. Here at Montverde Academy, players will leave here better than they were when they came in."
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Sam Brown
Joining Jones on the sidelines is Sam Brown, who arrives at Montverde Academy after having served under Jones at Dr. Phillips since 2021, where he helped the Panthers to their latter three state championships. Prior to that, Brown was a coach Woodbridge Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia from 2011-17. His familiarity with Jones's system and philosophy provides continuity as the Eagles begin this new era.
"I'm honored to be part of such an outstanding school and staff, and I'm committed to carrying forward the proud tradition of girls' basketball at Montverde Academy. Great things are on the horizon — and they will happen," said Brown.
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Abner Ham
Abner Ham is also in his first year with the program. Ham, who will also serve as the head coach of the program's development team (Varsity Gold), brings a deep passion for teaching the game and developing well-rounded student-athletes. His emphasis on fundamentals and his ability to mentor players on and off the court makes him a valuable addition to the Montverde staff.
"I'm incredibly grateful to be part of the coaching staff at Montverde Academy. The school's commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and culture is unmatched," said Ham. "Being part of a program with such a strong foundation and national reputation is something I take great pride in, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to contribute."
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Taneka Rubin
Rounding out the staff is Taneka Rubin, who enters her third season at Montverde Academy. Rubin served as an assistant coach under former head coach Matt Shewmake the past two years while also working in her role as the athletics department's Student-Athlete Development Coordinator. A former standout at Florida A&M University who went on to play professionally overseas, Rubin combines her playing experience with her leadership background to provide unique guidance to the Eagles. Rubin is also the author of a book titled "Winner's Win."
"I'm grateful to continue serving our National Team as an assistant coach. We have a great group of players and coaches this year who are committed to winning on and off the court. It's a blessing to use what I learned as a player to help our girls succeed," said Rubin.
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The Montverde Academy girls national basketball team is coming off a 26-2 overall record last year. The team returns two players from the 2024-25 national roster (Jayla Forbes, Missy Odom) and has promoted one player from last season's varsity gold roster (Addison Cooper) and one player from last year's junior varsity purple roster (Zoe Newell). The 2025-26 edition of Eagle newcomers to the national team include Ciara Hayes, Mia-Elle Lieverst, Delissa Morris, Kendall Perry, Jamila Ray, Jordan Speller and Zaniyah Williams.
The Eagles will once again compete against a rigorous schedule, which includes tournaments in Hawaii, North Carolina and Virginia. MVA's 2025-26 regular season opens at home on Tuesday, November 18 against Lake Highland Prep. The compete official 2025-26 national schedule will be released in the coming days.
About Montverde Academy:
Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 70+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com.
