Joanne Aluka-White enters her first season as a member of the Charlotte 49ers coaching staff in 2012-13. She joined the 49ers after spending the previous six years as an assistant coach at FIU in Miami.

“I am thrilled to welcome Joanne to the Charlotte women's basketball family," Consuegra said. "She brings a wealth of experience from her time as both a coach and player and will make an immediate impact in all areas of our program. Joanne is a rising star in the profession and has already made her mark as a relentless recruiter with a true passion as a teacher of the game. Most importantly, Joanne shares in our vision to develop not only great athletes, but outstanding students and citizens of this community.”

Aluka-White comes to Charlotte after a six-year stint at FIU, helping guide the Panthers to a Sun Belt Tournament semifinal appearance last season. She was heavily involved in recruiting as well as working with the post players. She also assisted the staff in scheduling, film exchange, monitoring student-athlete academic progress and camps.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with Cara and the rest of the 49ers coaching staff,” Aluka-White said. “Charlotte has tasted much success over the years. I am excited about joining the 49ers family and assisting Cara in continuing the 49ers winning tradition and helping her bring new and exciting experiences for our student-athletes and the Charlotte community.”

Prior to beginning her coaching career, Aluka-White enjoyed a highly successful collegiate playing career at Middle Tennessee (1998-2002). She scored over 1,000 career points and earned Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors during her four-year career. She was named a team captain and helped the Blue Raiders capture an Ohio Valley Tournament championship and a bid to the NCAA Tournament during her career.

The culmination of her playing career came with her selection to the Nigerian National Basketball Team and a trip to Athens, Greece, for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Prior to the Olympics, she played professionally in Portugal where she helped lead her team to the 2004 National Cup title game. 

Her playing career continued after the Olympics when she played in the NWBL for the Dallas Fury, who were coached by Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. She also played professionally in Luxembourg after her domestic professional experience.

Her first step into athletics after college was in 2004, as a marketing and promotions assistant at her alma mater.

The Augusta, Ga., native graduated from Middle Tennessee in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. She stayed in Murfreesboro to complete her master’s degree in 2003 in health and human performance, with a concentration in sport management.

Aluka-White and her husband, Fred White, are the parents of twins Daniel and Gabrielle White.