Andrea Blackett has been appointed as the third head coach for Rice University's women's track and field/cross country program, effective July 1, following the retirement of Jim Bevan. Blackett, a 1997 alumna and former standout athlete, rejoins the program after serving as associate head coach this season. She succeeds Bevan and Victor Lopez, the program's only previous coaches since its inception. Blackett aims to continue the tradition of excellence while further developing the student-athletes at Rice.

By the Numbers
  • Blackett is the third head coach in the program's history, following Victor Lopez (1980-2005) and Jim Bevan (2005-2026).
  • During her recent coaching stint, Blackett's sprinters achieved six podium finishes, including two golds at the 2026 American Conference Indoor Championships.
State of Play
  • Blackett returns to Rice after a prolific coaching career, including two NCAA DII championships at Azusa Pacific.
  • Former coaches and alumni express strong support for her, indicating confidence in her leadership and understanding of Rice's values.
What's Next

Blackett's immediate focus will be to build upon the existing successes of the program while fostering the development of student-athletes as both competitors and individuals. She aims to strengthen team dynamics and improve outcomes in upcoming competitions, carrying on the legacy of her predecessors.

Bottom Line

With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Rice Athletics, Andrea Blackett is poised to usher in a new era for women's track and field at Rice, drawing on her personal history and professional expertise to inspire the next generation of athletes.