Coaching Staff

Jimmy Colloton | Associate Head Coach

Jimmy Colloton, a 12-year veteran in Division I coaching, joined the Billikens' women's basketball staff as an associate head coach on June 14, 2023.

"When working to elevate and sustain excellence, it is always about the people and the culture. Jimmy is the type of coach you want to learn with and from on a daily basis," said Tillett. "He is a lifelong student of the game who has worked with high level coaches."

Colloton comes to SLU after spending the previous nine years at the United States Naval Academy working with its women's basketball program. He also spent time at Indiana as an assistant coach for the 2013-14 season after serving the program as a graduate assistant from 2011-13.

"I am extremely thankful to Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle and Rebecca Tillett for this incredible opportunity to be part of the women's basketball program," said Colloton. "Coach Tillett and I created some great memories together years ago and I am looking forward to making some more with her at Saint Louis in the future."

Following his three seasons with the Hoosiers, Colloton joined Navy's women's basketball staff in 2014. In Colloton's near decade at the academy, his skill set saw him take on roles such as recruiting coordinator in 2018, associate head coach in 2020-22, as well as a three-month stint as the team's interim head coach in 2020.

In the 2021-22 season with the Mids, Colloton coached top player Jenn Coleman, who earned Navy's first-ever AP All-America status and was named a WNBA prospect after ranking in the nation's top-25 in six categories, including ninth in points per game.

Colloton's recruiting savvy saw three of his classes (2022-23, 2021-22, 2017-18) top the Patriot League rankings. In 2016-2017, the Mids won a program first national postseason tournament game by defeating George Washington in the first round of the WNIT. He also helped oversee the Navy women to a runner-up conference tournament finish during the 2017-18 season and a program-best 25 wins.

Prior to his time in Annapolis, Colloton was part of a staff that led the Hoosiers to their best start in program history (14-0) and a spot in the WNIT quarterfinals. He also helped sign a Top-30 recruiting class per the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report (CGBR).

Colloton served as a men's basketball student assistant coach at Wittenberg (Springfield, Ohio), where he graduated with honors in 2011 with a degree in economics.

The Arlington Heights, Ill., native also spent two seasons (2017, 2019) as a WNBA Advanced Scout for the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun.

"He has a natural ability to find the details of the game in scouting and teaching that lead to success. We spent four years learning together in an environment where excellence was expected," continued Tillett. "I am looking forward to coaching side by side again with our attention on aggressively elevating SLU women's basketball. We share the ideals of helping women unlock their highest potential. His recruiting experience at Indiana and the United States Naval Academy, combined with the fact that he is a Midwest native, will elevate our recruiting."

Colloton joins Tillett's staff after her inaugural season with SLU which saw her lead the Billikens to a program-first A-10 Championship title and an NCAA Tournament berth.

"My family and I are excited to join this diverse community that has such a strong basketball tradition. I can't wait to get to work with this record-breaking team as we strive for championship success on and off the court," finished Colloton.

Kelsey Johnson | Recruiting Coordinator/Assistant Coach

Kelsey Johnson was announced as the Billikens' recruiting coordinator and assistant coach on June 22.

Johnson comes to Saint Louis University after spending the 2022-23 season at Southeast Missouri State University following stops at the University of Mississippi (2021-22) and UT Martin (2019-21).

"A leader once shared with me that he believed in the law of magnetism. Good people attract good people," said Tillett. "Two years ago, a trusted advisor recommended that Kelsey and I connect because we share so many of the same values. From there, she kept the conversation going, and I became increasingly more curious about working with her. We share the core belief that our role is to help develop empowered women who thrive in a culture of joy, love, and excellence."

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Chris May, Dr. Janet Oberle and Coach Tillett have given me and it gives me great joy to call SLU my new home. Coach Tillett and her staff have already laid the foundation for greatness so I can't wait to see what this season will bring," said Johnson.

In her most recent role as an assistant coach at SEMO, Johnson helped the team to a fourth-place finish in the Ohio Valley Conference with 10 more wins than the previous season, capping the 2022-23 campaign with an appearance in the semifinals of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. She also took on recruiting, practice planning and film-related duties throughout her stint with the Redhawks.

Prior to her time in Cape Girardeau, Johnson served as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi. There, she helped the Rebels to their first top-25 ranking and 20-win season since the 2006-07 season. She also aided in developing first round WNBA draft pick Shakira Austin and the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year award recipient, Angel Baker.

Johnson's first graduate assistant role was with UT Martin, where she helped the Skyhawks to back-to-back conference championships in 2020-21. She also was instrumental in developing more professional talent with 2021 WNBA Draft Pick Chelsey Perry.

"She has won championships and coached at a high level. She has experience building strong relationships with future professional players at multiple stops. She will immediately impact our recruiting and help elevate our defense," finished Tillett.

An East Freetown, Mass., native, Johnson also had coaching stints at the University of Northwestern Ohio (2017-19) and Dean College (2016-17).

Johnson graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Bridgewater State University in 2016. She also received an Associate's degree from Dean College in 2013.

Johnson is the final addition to Tillett's staff after her inaugural season with SLU which saw her lead the Billikens to a program-first A-10 Championship title and an NCAA Tournament berth.

"I met Coach Tillett about two years ago and I knew instantly I had to work with her at some point in my career," said Johnson. "Being a part of an elite program that empowers young women to become the best version of themselves on and off the court is something I've been working towards my whole career, and I'm excited to be joining a staff that values culture and excellence every day."