Akron Women's Basketball vs. Ursuline College

Zips Cruise Past Arrows, 102-45.

Happy Holiday's from University of Akron Women's Basketball Coaching Staff!!!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/ZWUtmp6V34GbimBq

Zips Indiana Roadtrip

Zips go 1-1 on their roadtrip to Indiana. Check out some of the footage captured.

Rachel Tecca Earns MAC East Player of the Week

University of Akron sophomore Rachel Tecca has been named Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week for women's basketball, the league office announced Monday. Tecca, who was a standout at nearby Archbishop Hoban High School, posted three straight double-doubles to lead the Zips to a 2-1 record last week. In all, the 2009-10 MAC Sixth Player of the Year averaged 18.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 50.0 percent (23-for-46) from the floor as UA posted victories against Robert Morris and Georgia Southern. Tecca scored a career-high 30 points - to go along with 12 rebounds and four steals - to lead UA to an 88-60 defeat of Colonials last Tuesday before posting a season-high 14 rebounds and 15 points in a 94-81 overtime win against the Eagles. The athletic post player capped off her big week with 11 points and 10 rebounds against SMU for her sixth double-double of her career.Tecca is currently ranked second in the MAC for scoring (18.8 ppg) and fifth for rebounding (9.5 rpg). She is shooting 56.2 percent (50-for-89) from the floor, which is ranked third. The Zips (4-2), who are off to their best start since the 1995-96 season, will begin a three-game homestand against Duquesne Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at James A. Rhodes Arena.

Akron Women's Basketball vs. Niagara

Akron comes out with 77-58 a win over Niagara this past Sunday.

Coaches Office Tour featuring Kacie Cassell

Akron Women's Basketball vs. Ashland Highlights

The University of Akron women's basketball team rolled to a 68-49 exhibition victory over Ashland Saturday afternoon at James A. Rhodes Arena.

Sophomore Rachel Tecca, the 2009-10 Mid-American Conference Sixth Player of the Year, led three Zips in double figures with 18 points – on 9-for-17 shooting – and eight rebounds. True freshman Carly Young added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists while sophomore Taylor Ruper added 12 points – on the strength of four 3-pointers – off the bench. In all, 10 different UA players scored as the Zips out-shot the Eagles, 40.8 percent (29-for-71) to 36.2 percent (21-for-58) from the floor. Akron dominated the paint with a 42-26 advantage and scored 27 points off of 25 AU turnovers.

Halloween Part 2

Akron Women's Basketball had their annual Halloween Party at Coach Kest's House.

Halloween Video

In the spirit of Halloween the Akron Zips players and coaching staff answered a few questions about the holiday and participated in some apple bobbing along the way! Check out this hilarious video!

Akron Women's Basketball Announces TV Games!!!

We are pleased to announce our TV games for the 2010-2011 season. The Zips are scheduled to be on STO TV three times this season. The first contest will feature Akron at home against the Ohio Bobcats on January 8th at noon. The Zips will then face Eastern Michigan on January 22nd and also Ball State on February 12th, with both games starting at 5pm. Once again the MAC Conference Tournament Semi-finals and finals will be broad casted on STO TV. We look forward to a great year and we are very excited about the opportunity to showcase our team!

Student Union Tour

We continue our video tours with a look at our gorgeous student union! Sophomore guard Katie Bubna shows us the ins and outs of the Union! Take a look!

21 Questions with Hanna Luburgh

This week we take a look at our 5th and final freshman, 5'10" Guard Hanna Luburgh. Check out Hanna's answer's to our 21 Questions.

1. Nickname:

None

2. How did you choose your number?

In 6th grade I was dating a boy that I thought was my future husban and had just come to Tri-Valley so I changed from #8 to #14 to be like him.

3. What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff?

How competitive they are. Each coach brings something new to the table and will do whatever it takes to win and be successful.

4. Funniest Teammate?

Jaz

5. What is your favorite shot on the court?

Jumper

6. What motto do you try to live by?

Live and Learn

7. Who is your role model and why?

My sister Paige

8. Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Lebron

9. What is your dream job?

I want to be famous somehow. So whatever I can do to be famous would be a dream job.

10. Tell me about your position coach?

Coach Jackson- She is full of energy and motivating, positive

11. Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?

Zanesville, OH- Everyone knows everyone and we ride four wheelers

12. What’s on your ipod?

Country of course

13. Who got you in to playing basketball?

My sister played in a league in our town and I couldn't be left out so I joined too.

14. Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Adidas spray

15. If I had to take a road trip I’d go?

Any tropical beach

16. My favorite Halloween costume?

ATV Rider

17. The reality TV show I would most like to be on?

American Gladiator

18. The best thing about being a Zip is?

The people I'm with (my team and coaches) and the support from all involved (academic advisors, managers, etc.)

19. Favorite place on campus?

Fieldhouse

20. Favorite Restaurant?

Adornettos

21. Favorite class?

Study Hall or Math Class

Akron Zips 1st Official Practice

Last week the Zips officially started practice for the 2010-2011 season! It is an exciting time of the year as we get back on the court and prepare for the season. Click on the video to view some clips from our 1st official day on October 7th!

Spicer Dorm Tour featuring Carly Young and Hanna Luburgh

Next up in our video series is Freshmen roomates Hanna Luburgh and Carly Young! Hanna and Carly show us how the freshmen at Akron live in style!

22 Exchange Tour

Check out Soph's Rachel Tecca and Taylor Ruper as they show you what housing is like as an upperclassman! 22 Exchange is a great off campus housing option for students!

21 Questions with Kacie Cassell

It has been a busy week at Akron. The coaches just got off the road from the recruiting trail. The staff was travelling all over watching great talent. Also, today we officially ended the 2010 preseason. Our girls had a great preseason and are ready for the start of practice on Thursday!

Below is freshman point guard Kacie Cassell's answers to our 21 questions! Enjoy!

1. Nickname:

Don't really have one but I guess "Kase"


2. How did you choose your number?

3 has been my favorite number since I started playing YMCA basketball when I was little.


3. What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff?

Thier work ethic and competitiveness


4. Funniest Teammate?

Katie Bubna


5. What is your favorite shot on the court?

I like them all


6. What motto do you try to live by?

You only live once and quitters never win, winners never quit


7. Who is your role model and why?

My parents, they taught me everything I know and how to be a great person


8. Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Michael Jordan and Adrian Peterson (Go Viks!)


9. What is your dream job?

Pharmacist


10. Tell me about your position coach?

Coach Kest- She is intense and expects a lot out of her point guards. She keeps me motivated always wanting to improve my game.


11. Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?

Vandalia, OH and Jim's donuts is the best place in vtown (24/7 fresh donuts)


12. What’s on your ipod?

Everything but classical music



13. Who got you in to playing basketball?

My Dad


14. Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

I had some goofy ones in high school but probably won't continue those


15. If I had to take a road trip I’d go?

New Orleans, the city is amazing and super great food


16. My favorite Halloween costume?

When I was 4 I dressed up as a tiger... I was the cutest kid out to get candy that night!


17. The reality TV show I would most like to be on?

Real World or Jersey Shore


18. The best thing about being a Zip is?

EVERYTHING, especially the clothes!


19. Favorite place on campus?

Locker Room


20. Favorite Restaurant?

Texas Roadhouse


21. Favorite class?

so far... Diversity in American Society

Jasmine and Natasha's Lockeroom Tour

Juniors Jasmine Mushington and Natasha Williams give us a tour of our lockeroom. Check out where the Zips spend most of their time! Enjoy!

21 Questions with Sina King

Check out freshman guard/forward Sina King's answers to our 21 questions!

1. Nickname

No Nickname

2. How did you choose your number?

My whole family had that # in basketball. Dad, Mom, and Hope (my sister)


3. What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff?

I am very impressed that they are always chipper and ready to go at in at 5:30/6:00 in the morning.

4. Funniest Teammate?

Katie Bubna

5. What is your favorite shot on the court?

15 Footer



6. What motto do you try to live by?

We must be the change we want to see and laugh as much as you breathe, it makes life easier


7. Who is your role model and why?

My sister Hope, because she has overcome great obstacles in her life and is still successful no matter what she does

8. Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Katie Smith

9. What is your dream job?

I don't really have one yet


10. Tell me about your position coach?

Coach Ruffing- he is a swell coach that always gives positive encouragement but is somewhat lacking when it comes to drawing our position poster.


11. Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?

Waterford, OH- We have one restuarant in our small town called Jukebox Pizza which is probably my favorite place to go because it is the best pizza I have ever had. My favorite activity to do in Waterford would be going canoeing or swimming.

12. What’s on your ipod?

Pretty much everything except for country

13. Who got you in to playing basketball?

My sister, Hope

14. Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Well I have to wear two pairs of socks and give myself a peptalk before each game

15. If I had to take a road trip I’d go?

To California

16. My favorite Halloween costume?

I can't even remember

17. The reality TV show I would most like to be on?

Say Yes to the Dress


18. The best thing about being a Zip is?

Having a place/group to belong to.

19. Favorite place on campus?

The JAR or my bed

20. Favorite Restaurant?

Bob Evans

21. Favorite class?

English

Infocision Stadium Featuring Denver McLean

Football Season is in the Air! Check out Junior Center, Denver McLean's favorite spot on campus! We love football saturdays at Akron! It is great atmosphere for all the students!

Kara's Favorite Spot

Check out Senior Capatin Kara Murphy's favorite spot on campus!

21 Questions with Brianna "BJ" Moyes

1. Nickname?
"BJ"

2. How did you choose your number?
We don't have #2 in Australia and I thought it was different

3. What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff?

How they are always checking up on you and asking how things are going

4. Funniest Teammate?

Jasmine, with all her sayings and the way she sings all the time


5. What is your favorite shot on the court?

Floater shot


6. What motto do you try to live by?

God Honors those that honor him


7. Who is your role model and why?

My parents because they are both really hard workers and very humble


8. Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Usain Bolt


9. What is your dream job?

To play pro ball


10. Tell me about your position coach?

Coach Kest- She is cool, alot of fun off the court but on the court she is tough and makes you work. She can also talk really fast :)


11. Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?

Canberra, Australia. There are kangaroos in my backyard.


12. What’s on your ipod?

A mixture of things but alot of dance type music


13. Who got you in to playing basketball?

My parents

14. Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

I like to say a quick prayer to myself before


15. If I had to take a road trip I’d go?

Back home to see my family


16. My favorite Halloween costume?

Never celebrated Halloween before


17. The reality TV show I would most like to be on?

Haven't seen to many reality TV shows while I've been here. I've only seen Jersey Shore and I don't really wanna be on that!


18. The best thing about being a Zip is?

All the great people I get to hang out with and the fact that a zip is a kangaroo


19. Favorite place on campus?

Lockeroom. Great place to chill


20. Favorite Restaurant?

Still trying out different places but Luigi's is pretty good.

21. Favorite class?

If I have to choose one it would have to be Oral Communications

Infocision Stadium Tour with Denver McLean

Football season is in the air! At Akron we have a beautiful new state of the art stadium. Infocision Stadium makes Saturdays lots of fun on campus for our students! Over the next months each of the players will tell you a little more about their favorite places on campus. 1st up is Junior Center Denver McLean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62kYKUKdFJ8

Click on the link to see the video!!!

21 Questions with Carly Young

Over the next few weeks we will introduce you to our 5 freshmen. They are a great group both on and off the court. 1st up is6'3" Post player Carly Young.

1.Nickname?
Just Carly

2.How did you choose your number?
I used to be 5 until 7th grade when I grew and was too big for that number cause it was a small. 35 was a medium.


3.What has impressed you the most about Coach Kest and her staff?
"Family"


4.Funniest Teammate?
Hanna- no contest

5.What is your favorite shot on the court?
3!!!


6.What motto do you try to live by?
Everything happens for a reason


7.Who is your role model and why?
My Mother


8.Who is your favorite professional athlete?
No preference


9.What is your dream job?
A buyer for a clothing store


10.Tell me about your position coach?
Coach Dixon- He is intense on the court but personable off


11.Hometown? What is something unique about it/your favorite thing to do there?
Well, there is one traffic light... that sums up Frazeysburg...


12.What's on your ipod?
My ipod died in the washer


13.Who got you in to playing basketball?
My 3 friends who wanted a tall girl on their gus macker team. However, I knew nothing about basketball


14.Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I will never wear my hair in a braid for a game again. We lost our District game when I wore my hair that way.


15.If I had to take a road trip I'd go to?
Europe


16.My favorite Halloween costume?
A M&M


17.The reality TV show I would most like to be on?
America's Next Top Model


18.The best thing about being a Zip is?
It's hard to explain. Akron just feels like a 2nd home to me


19.Favorite place on campus?
My bed or the locker room blue couch. I love sleep.

20.Favorite Restaurant?

Adornettos

21.Favorite Class?

High School- Anatomy... I loved my teacher

2 Weeks In The Books!!!

We just completed the first two weeks of the preseason. It is hard to believe that 2 weeks have already gone by. The team has been busy with lifting, running, individual workouts, and pickup. Here are a few pics from the last week. The girls are working very hard and have been very coachable in individual workouts. The upperclassmen have been showing the freshmen the ropes and they have caught on very quickly. We are very pleased with what we have seen the last two weeks but there is alot of work still to be done!

We want to wish everyone a great labor day weekend! Some of the team will be heading home to spend time with their families while others are staying on campus to cheer on our Football team. Good Luck to Football as they take on Syracuse Saturday night at Infocision Stadium! It will be a great atmosphere at the game! Check back next week for more updates!

We are pleased to annouce our 2010-2011 schedule. This year we will face as many as six non-conference opponents that competed in the postseason last year. Of those six, the Zips will face three – Robert Morris (Nov. 23), Cleveland State (Dec. 11) and Providence (Dec. 28) – at Rhodes Arena as part of a seven-game home non-league schedule. Other noteworthy home dates include a visit by local rival Kent State (Mar. 2), MAC Tournament champion Bowling Green (Feb. 22) and West Division winner Toledo (Feb. 2).

"This year's non-conference schedule provides a lot of exciting challenges for our very young team," said Kest, the 2009-10 MAC Coach of the Year. "After losing a lot of production from some key individuals - including two senior starters - our hope is our non-conference competition will allow us to gain valuable experience before we embark on our competitive Mid-American Conference schedule."

UA will spend the holiday in the Lone Star State when the SMU Thanksgiving Tournament gets underway in Dallas. Akron is guaranteed two games at the event with the first coming against Georgia Southern (Nov. 26) in the first meeting between the Zips and Eagles since 1987-88. The winner of that contest will then advance to meet the winner of the SMU, a WNIT qualifier in 2010, and Arkansas State match-up the following day (Nov. 27). Next, the Zips finish up their non-league slate with five of their last seven contests in Akron starting with a three-game homestand against Duquesne (Dec. 1), Wright State (Dec. 4) and Cleveland State. The Dukes were defeated by Northwestern in the first round of the WNIT a year ago while the Vikings, who won the Horizon League championship, fell at Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Akron will host Providence before ringing in the New Year with a final non-conference contest at Temple (Jan. 2). This will be the first time UA will play Providence, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the WNIT in 2009-10. The Owls, who edged the Zips, 55-43, last year at Rhodes Arena, were defeated by UCONN in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last March.

2010-11 Akron Women's Basketball Schedule

Sat., Nov. 6 - Ashland (Exh.)

Mon., Nov. 15 - at IPFW

Wed., Nov. 17 - at IUPUI

Sun., Nov. 21 - Niagara

Tues., Nov. 23 - Robert Morris

Fri., Nov. 26 - vs. Georgia Southern^ (Dallas, Texas)

Nov. 27 - vs. SMU/Arkansas St.^ (Dallas, Texas)

Wed., Dec. 1 - Duquesne

Sat., Dec. 4 - Wright State

Sat., Dec. 11 - Cleveland State

Thurs., Dec. 16 - at Youngstown State

Sun., Dec. 19 - Ursuline College

Tues., Dec. 28 - Providence

Sun., Jan. 2 - at Temple

Wed., Jan. 5 - Buffalo

Sat., Jan. 8 - Ohio

Wed., Jan. 12 - at Bowling Green

Sat., Jan. 15 - Miami (Ohio)

Wed., Jan. 19 - at Kent State

Sat., Jan. 22 - Eastern Michigan

Wed., Jan. 26 - at Western Michigan

Sat., Jan. 29 - at Central Michigan

Wed., Feb. 2 - Toledo

Sat., Feb. 5 - at Northern Illinois

Sat., Feb. 12 - Ball State

Wed., Feb. 16 - at Buffalo

Sat., Feb. 19 - at Ohio

Tues., Feb. 22 - Bowling Green

Sat., Feb. 26 - at Miami (Ohio)

Wed., Mar. 2 - Kent State

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!

It is great to be back! Last night The University of Akron Department of Athletics held its annual Student-Athlete Welcome Back Picnic Sunday at Rhodes Arena. The event marked one of the few times during the academic year when all 450-plus of the department's student-athletes, coaching staffs, support staff and administrators are all in the same place at the same time.

Selected student-athletes from each sport as well as members of the department's management team participated in a variety of games based off the popular "Minute to Win It" TV game show. It was a great night of fun competitions. As you can see in the video's our girls had fun competing against their fellow Zips! Even Coach Kest competed in the challenging pencil catch!



We are very excited for the start of the school year! GO ZIPS!!!

Welcome Coach Dixon!!!

We would like you to meet the newest addition to our Akron Family, Dr. Sam Dixon. Coach Dixon, spent the previous eight seasons as the head coach at Furman University. We are very excited to have him on staff!

"I am very happy to announce the addition of Dr. Sam Dixon to our Akron basketball family," Kest said. "He brings a wealth of experience and will be an immediate asset to our program. Sam is well known and respected in our profession and, as a previous head coach, will provide great leadership and communication skills to our young ladies. We are very fortunate to have Sam join our Akron community."

On the Zips' staff, Dixon will serve as the team's academic, conditioning and defensive coordinator as well as oversee junior college and international recruiting efforts. Dixon will also act as the position coach for the team's power forwards and centers and assist with the program's overall recruiting, scouting and game preparation duties.

"I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of The University of Akron women's basketball program," Dixon said. "I was impressed with the vision that Coach Kest has for the program and the great strides she has made during her time here. I am looking forward to help her achieve that vision and am honored to be a part of The University of Akron family."

Glad to be home!!!

For most individuals the month of July is filled with cookouts, fireworks, vacations to the beach, and fun in the sun! For basketball coaches around the country this is not the norm. We recently completed our Summer recruiting period which took place for most of the month of July. We hit the road on July 5th for a month filled with airports, hotels, air conditioned gyms, and of course great basketball!!! July is a crazy month going from city to city. Our staff was in 19 different cities over a 20 days span!

July is a great month for our staff to see our top recruits and evaluate the young talent. Our staff was busy traveling and scouting all month! We got back this past weekend and were very excited to sleep in our own beds! :) We can't wait for the team to be back on campus in 3 weeks and to get back on the court to prepare for the 2010-2011 season!

Stay tuned for an announcement of our new assistant coach, Sam Dixon! We are very excited to have Sam on board! Go Zips!

Kara Murphy Selected in ESPN's 2011 WNBA Mock Draft!!!

We recently got some exciting news as Senior, Kara Murphy, was chosen in ESPN's WNBA Mock Draft! The complete list of draftee's can be found at www.Draftsite.com

The website which provided the 2011 mock draft, listed Murphy, who was the only Mid-American player in the "Mock Draft", as the thirty-third pick. That pick would be selected by the San Antonio Starz.

Draftsite.com correctly predicted 27 of the 36 players selected in the 2010 WNBA draft. Five of those predictions were exact matches with players and round selected.

University of Akron Women's Basketball Camp (June 17)

We recently completed "Camp Week" at The University!!! It was a great week filled with fun, learning, and competitive play. The video from above is some clips from our Individual Camp. We had a great group of campers which made the camp extra special. They learned different drills in their stations, played some fun relays, and competed in the league games. It was a great week of basketball!!! We also want to thank our great staff who did an awesome job with the campers!!! It was great to have the team back on campus working camp and interacting with the young campers! We can't wait til next year!

Coach Kest's Signs Contract Extension!!!

We are very happy to annouce that Coach Kest, the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year, has signed a new contract that will keep her at Akron thru the 2014-2015 season.


Kest, who just completed her fourth season at UA, led the Zips to their highest win total (18) in the 36-year history of the program last winter. Akron also recorded its highest win totals for MAC play (11) and at Rhodes Arena (11) while holding opponents to an average of 59.6 points per game, representing the best mark in school history and the third-lowest average in league history. Kest was the first UA women's coach to receive Coach of the Year accolades from the MAC last March and just the second Akron basketball coach (men's or women's) to do so.


As a product of last season's success, Kest drew interest from other schools but ultimately decided to remain committed to Akron. "Akron is where I want to be and I am very lucky to have an administration that wants me here," Kest said. "My heart is in Akron and I have officially withdrawn myself as a candidate from other openings. "I am very proud and grateful to continue representing the University of Akron and its women's basketball program. I would like to thank (UA President) Dr. Luis Proenza, Tom Wistrcill and (Senior Associate Athletics Director) Mary Lu Gribschaw for their continued support and loyalty to me and our program. I would also like to thank the Akron community for embracing me and our young athletes."

Akron secured a first-round bye at the MAC Tournament for the first time and advanced to the semifinals for just the second time since becoming a league member in 1992. The Zips were then selected to compete in the Women's Basketball Invitational, marking its first postseason appearance in 11 years and just their second appearance all-time. "Jodi has a proven track record of turning around programs and last season was the perfect example of the positive influence she can have as a leader," Wistrcill said. "Furthermore, she represents everything that is right about college athletics with an absolute commitment to the performance of her student-athletes both on the court and in the classroom. I am excited for the future of our women's basketball program."

Coach Kest has elevated the Zips to unprecedented heights, culminating with this winter's record-setting campaign. Under Kest, Akron has now won more games in her past two seasons alone (29) than in the six seasons prior to her arrival (24 wins from 2000-01 to 2005-06)."This is a very exciting time to be a Zip," Kest said. "We had a great season last year, in breaking numerous school records, and I know we are on the brink of even greater things in the future. I want to thank our current and former players for trusting our vision. I am really looking forward to coaching our current group of quality student-athletes. "The University of Akron is where I want to be for a very long time. I am excited to share this news with our recruits and their families."

Summer Camp

Yes it is that time of year again...

The University of Akron's Women's Basketball Camps are quickly filling up and we would love to have you be apart of another great camp season. This year we are once again offering our individual day camp, lil kids camp, and our high school team shootout. Below you will find more information about each camp!


Individual Basketball Camp

Fee: $135.00

Dates: June 14-17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For children ages 9-14


Li'l Zips Day Camp

Fee: $25.00

Dates: June 15, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

For children ages 3-8


Team Shootout


Fees: $250.00 for the one-day session (four games)

$395.00 for the two-day session (seven games)

Dates: June 18-19, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m

Please contact Candace Wilson at 330-972-8274 or clw23@uakron.edu for more details

Akron Basketball Jock Jams '10

Are girls participated in the inagural University of Akron Jock Jams. This was a great event put on by our athletic department to support the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) $700 dollars were raised and these funds will benefit the children of Haiti and Chile and other countries. Each team created a 5 minute routine whihc was judged by a celebrity panel highlighted by Tom Wistrcill, Director of Athletics.

As you can our team is not only talented with the basketball but on the dance floor as well! Even Coach Kest joined in the fun! It was a great night full of fun, and laughs all for a great cause!

Check out our girls in action above!!!

Jo Earns All-Academic

University of Akron senior Jolene Tamboue was one of 13 student-athletes named to the Academic All-Mid-American Conference team for women's basketball.

Tamboue is the sixth Akron women's basketball player to earn academic honors from the MAC and the second in as many seasons, following Kara Murphy in 2008-09. Tamboue currently owns a 3.353 cumulative GPA as a biochemistry major at UA.

The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. Members of the prestigious group are voted on by faculty athletic representatives at MAC institutions. First-year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award.

Congrats Jo!!!

Zips Set To Play In Postseason!!!

The 2009-2010 season has been a record bresking year for the Akron Women's Basketball Team. The Zips added yet another great accomplishment last night when they accepted a bid into the Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI). Akron received a 5 seed in the 16 team field and will play the 4th seed Wichita State on Thursday at 7:00pm.

The Zips will be making their first postseason appearance in 11 years Thursday and just their second all-time in the 36-year history as a team. This opportunity is a great experience for our team. The girls are very excited about the chance to continue their season in March. The WBI features a strong field of BCS conference schools, 20-game winners and solid mid-major programs, headlined by No. 1 seeds Memphis in the West and Appalachian State in the East as well as last year's National Runner Up, Louisville.

Coach of the Year!!!

Congrats to Coach Kest on being named MAC Coach of the Year! In just four seasons, Kest, has elevated the Akron program to unprecedented heights, culminating with this winter's record-setting campaign. UA set highs for overall wins (17), league wins (11) and home wins (11) in 2009-10 and is currently working on the best defensive season in school history. Akron held its opponents to an average of 59.1 points per game during the regular season, which is nearly five full points better than the current record and would also rank as the third-best, single-season mark in MAC history.

"What Jodi has been able to accomplish at Akron has been nothing short of amazing," said UA Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill. "In a short time, she has transformed a program that had struggled mightily in the past into a championship-caliber team. And most importantly, she's done it the right way; with discipline, a commitment to defense and a sincere devotion to the success of her student-athletes on and off the court."

6TH PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!

Congrats to Freshman Rachel Tecca who received the 6th Man of the Year Award from the MAC. Rachel has appeared in every game for the Zips as a true freshman and is second on the team in scoring (10.4) and rebounding (6.1) despite averaging just 22.5 minutes a game. The versatile post player is ranked highly among her peers in five categories, including scoring (24th), rebounding (11th), field goal percentage (13th; .441), offensive rebounds (12th; 2.45) and defensive rebounds (15th; 3.66).

"This is a great honor for Rachel and our team," Kest said. "Rachel has excelled in her role and has provided our team with great energy and effort on both ends of the floor. She could have easily started many games for us this year but her impact off the bench provided us with an instant spark. I feel very fortunate to have Rachel on our team. It is hard to believe that she is only a freshman and that her best basketball is still ahead of her."

Senior Night

Last week we honored our two seniors Ayla Guzzardo and Jolene Tamboue as they played their last game at the JAR. It was another great win for the Zips as we defeated the OU Bobcats 69-41. The win gave our team a first round bye in the upcoming MAC Tournament. It was also a historic night for Akron, as the Zips set school records for both overall wins and league wins. We finished with the best regular season in program history with a 17-12 overall mark and a 11-5 record in MAC play. Our seniors have done so much for our program and they had a great send off in their last game on the Akron floor. Jolene recorded her 6th double double of the year with 12 points and 14 rebounds while Ayla was all over the court posting 9 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

After the game we celebrated the win and our seniors with a reception in the Tommy Evans Lounge. It was great to honor the team's accomplishments and the individual success of both Ayla and Jolene. We are excited for the MAC tournament and we can't wait to make some noise in March. Let the Madness begin!!! Go Zips!

Ayla's Last Testimony

Senior Ayla Guzzardo will play her last game at the JAR tonight vs. OU. Ayla sat down and wrote some thoughts about her time here at the University of Akron.


I have only been at Akron for two years but I have really enjoyed my time in Ohio. Coming from Louisiana I really did not know what to expect. I came from a very successful junior college program, so coming to Akron was kind of scary, I knew that the program did not do well in the past but Coach Kest was so sure that we would be a winning program. So I committed to Akron in April and moved here in June. Ever since that June we have been working to get what we have today. Last year we did well but this year, I think we are surprising a lot of people. I know we have one last regular season game but I don’t think it’s over yet. We still have a lot of basketball to play. I don’t want to leave Akron, but since I don’t really have a choice I want to leave knowing that we changed the program around. I think we have changed it so far and broken many records but that’s not enough, we want more, we have worked too hard to just give up. I guess my last testimony that I would leave with Akron would be, “to remember that winning should become a habit, it should hurt to lose, but lose, learn from it, and forget it.”

- Ayla Guzzardo

Jolene's Last Words

As Senior Jolene Tamboue plays her last game at the JAR tonight vs. OU. Jo leaves us with some words of wisdom and some insight as to what the University of Akron has meant to her:


"Play every game like it's your last!" That has been my motto ever since I walked foot on the University of Akron campus. Choosing to come to Akron was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have met a lot of great people and everybody at Akron has welcomed me with open arms. When choosing the school I wanted to come to, I wanted to go to a school that I could make a difference at. I also wanted to take that program to a new level. That is why I chose the University of Akron. I feel good leaving because I know that I have made an impact on this program. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes... "Tomorrow is not promised so give everything you have today!"

- Jolene Tamboue

Alumni Weekend

This past weekend marked the inaugural alumni weekend for the University of Akron Women's Basketball Program. We kicked off the festivities with our first ever Alumni game on Friday evening. The game was a huge success as former players laced up their sneakers, reunited with former teammates and showed that they still have game. Current seniors Ayla Guzzardo and Jolene Tamboue tested the waters of coaching, serving as head coaches for each team. Coach Guzzardo had the pleasure of coaching the youngin's while Coach Tamboue went with the "more experienced" group. Age was not a factor in the game as both teams competed til the very end. The close battle came down to a few free throws and a defensive stop by the youngin's to prevail them to victory. As you can see in the pics, the former players had a blast. After the game the alums and current coaching staff got together at a dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse. It was great to hear all the stories from years past.

On Saturday the Zips took on Miami Ohio in a key MAC conference game. The alumni and their families were recognized at halftime of the game. It was a great day to be a Zip as the team picked up their 10th conference win beating the Redhawks 72-65. With the win the Zips have now tied school records for most conference wins and overall wins. With one more conference game against OU the 2009- 2010 Zips can make some new history of their own!

We want to thank our alumni who came out and made this weekend very special. We can't wait for next year!!! GO ZIPS!!

AKRON "THINKS PINK"

Last week the Zips took the floor in the annual "Pink Zone" game. The Akron Women's Basketball team teamed up with the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across the University of Akron campus and the Akron community. As you can see from the pics above this event was a huge success. Our program raised a lot of money for a great cause. Our team wore pink shoelaces, pink wristbands, and pink shooting shirts to show their support for breast cancer awareness. It was a great day at the JAR, as fans packed the gym to cheer on the Zips! We want to thank everyone who came out and contributed to this great cause.

5-2!!!

2010 has been very good to the University of Akron Women's Basketball Team. After a big overtime win at Ball State last night, the Zips are now 5-2 in conference play. The 5-2 record keeps the Zips at the top tier of the MAC standings, currently in second place.

With wins over Miami, Buffalo, Kent State, Western Michigan, and Ball State the Zips are poised to continue their success throughout the remainder West games and into the East matchups! Below are the links to the Zips conference wins! We hit the road again on Saturday when we take on a very good Eastern Michigan team. We will return to the JAR Arena on Feb. 4th against Central Michigan. We hope to see you there!!! Until next time... GO ZIPS!!!

Akron tops Buffalo:

http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=47196&SPID=4339&DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=204866962

Akron beats rival Kent State:

http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=47196&SPID=4339&DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=204868821

Akrons gets road win at Miami:

http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=47196&SPID=4339&DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=204870048

Defense prevails against Western Michigan:

http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=47196&SPID=4339&DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=204873558

Akron gets another road win at Ball State:

http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=47196&SPID=4339&DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=204875951

Holiday Party!!!

I hope everyone had a great Holiday season! Last week we had our annual Holiday Party at Coach Kest's House. It was a great night filled with laughs, good food, gifts, and even a little snow! This team is very special and so much fun to be around. Whenever we get together it is hard not to have stomach aches from laughing so much!

At our Holiday Party we finally revealed our Secret Santa identity and gave our big gifts. It was alot of fun to see the players and coaches try and guess who had them. I applaud the players that kept their secrets for this long. If you know our team this in itself is a daunting task! Their was great gifts given and even a few gag gifts. I am still trying to figure out if my 12 pack of diet coke is a gag gift? (Thanks Denver!)

It was a great weekend for the Zips! We got our first conference win against Buffalo on Saturday, beating the Bulls 72-56. Our Men's Team also had a great win against Bowling Green 71-45. Also, Men's Soccer player, Teal Bunbury, won this year's Hermann Trophy recognizing him as the best soccer player in the country.

This week we play Kent State on Wednesday night at home. Tip is at 7pm. This will be a great game not only because of the rivalry but because Kent is playing very well. We hope to see you in stands Wednesday!

- Coach Jackson