Elizabeth City, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University's (ECSU) Director of Athletics, James DuBose, Jr. is excited to announce the addition of three new staff members within the Department of Athletics: Jeannette Downer, Ramona Dash Staton, and Destiny Martin. 

Jeannette Downer will debut as the Head Volleyball Coach.  Downer brings more than 19 years of coaching experience to ECSU. Before becoming a coach, Downer competed as a student-athlete at City College of New York. Downer served as the assistant coach at Fayetteville State University for the past 12 years. She appeared in six CIAA championship matches and won four championships (2012, 2013, 2019 & 2021). 

Ramona Staton Dash will fulfill the support role as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Success & Wellness. This role was established due to ECSU Athletics being awarded the NCAA Strategic Matching Alliance Grant. She will serve as a liaison between athletics and the campus community to assist student-athletes' overall well-being outside of their respective sports.  Dash will also oversee student-athlete's study hall. 

Destiny Martin is entering her first season as the Head Cheerleading Coach of the D'Lytes and will also take on the role of the Athletics Business Manager. Martin will oversee the daily business operations of the athletic department. Martin is currently completing her master's degree in business administration. She was featured in Ciara's JUMP music video.