Rashidi Aikens has returned for a second stint at Monroe University. During the 2023-2024 season, he assisted the team in winning the Region 20 championship and the Mid-Atlantic District Championship. This run placed the program in the NJCAA national tournament for the fourth time in program history.
Prior to his stint at Monroe University, Aikens previously served as head coach at his alma mater Nyack College/Alliance University. During his tenure, Aikens helped the team make the playoffs two times in his five-year tenure. He led the team to a sweep over the reigning CACC North Division Champions during the 2018-2019 season. His team was also the recipient of the annual team sportsmanship award during the 2018-2019 campaign. He also led the program to the first playoff berth since 2016 during the 2019-2020 season. Aikens also led the program to the first playoff win since 2010 during the 2020-2021 season. Aikens’ team also swept the reigning CACC Tournament Champions during the 2021-2022 season.
His players also received many accolades which include one CACC All-Conference Member, one CACC All-Tournament Team Member, 24 Honor Roll Members, nine All- Academic Team Members, one Player of the Week, two Rookie of the Week. Under his supervision the team also improved in the classroom, garnering over a 3.2 GPA.
During his tenure as assistant coach at Nyack College, Aikens was on staff with the program from 1997 to 2012. Over those years he assisted in leading the program to a pair of NCCAA East Region Championships ('01, '09) and a Central Athletic Collegiate Conference regular-season and tournament title in 2009-10. This successful campaign led to the program’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament (21-12 overall).
After his time on the hillside, Aikens served as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Mercy College, where he amassed the eighth-most wins in program history. He also mentored a pair of All-East Coast Conference selections and served as assistant athletic director, supervisor for the school's athletic work study program and fitness center director.
Aikens then moved on from Mercy College to become assistant coach at LIU Post. During his tenure he assisted in the development of several All-East Coast Conference and All-Met selections. In his final season at LIU Post he assisted in the program earning the regular season championship, with a 22-8 season that led to a NCAA tournament berth.
Aikens also serves as the Head Coach/Director for the Empire State Storm 14u and 17u teams. He has coached several teams in the program. He has won 62 Tournament Championships. He holds an impressive record with 238 wins with a 70.2 winning percentage.
Aikens holds numerous certifications over his coaching career, including merits from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA).
