Women's Basketball Continues Practice For Costa Rica!

On August 12th, we will head south to Costa Rica for a foreign tour. Last Thursday we hit the court in preparation for the trip. The NCAA allows us to practice 10 days prior to our trip. It really has been great to be back on the court with our team. The returners haven't missed a beat and the newcomers are learning everyday. It really is a fun and talented group to work with. Take a look at some pics from practice the last few days. Also, make sure you check our website for up to date coverage from Costa Rica. We will be blogging, tweeting, and posting video from the trip!

Women's Basketball Active In The Community!!!

Our new graduate assistant, Preston Reid, gives us a look at what our girls have been doing in the community this summer! 

            Working the “Bike Kitchen” in support of the Lebron James Family Foundation was an absolute joy as well as an adventure for our student-athletes.  The team learned how to repair flat tires, assemble and re-assemble brakes, as well as many other tune up fixes.  The girls really enjoyed being able to fix up the bicycles in support of the foundation knowing that the bicycles they were fixing up were going to be given to less fortunate school children.  The group that is in charge of the “Bike Kitchen” were great hosts as they took the time to teach the student-athletes how to make the repairs on the bikes.  There were also other support members that came in with the “Bike Kitchen” group and took pictures of the girls working on the bikes as well as noting how well they were doing! 

            Last week, three of our student athletes went out to speak to the girls at the “Haven of Rest Sports Camp”.  Our girls talked about character traits, good attitude, the importance of a good work ethic, maintaining good grades, what a typical day is like for them, and how they have gotten to where they are today.  The campers really enjoyed asking the girls questions and being able to watch the girls shoot around.  Taylor Ruper made an NBA range three pointer that sent the camp into a celebratory cheer!  In the end the campers were happy to hear from and see our girls and our girls were happy to have had the opportunity to talk to the “Haven of Rest Sports Camp” for our fourth year in a row!     

Jackson Promoted to Associated Head Coach

Jackson has been an integral component of Kest's staff for the past four seasons, serving as the team's recruiting coordinator and offensive coordinator. She has also led the development of some of the best guards in program history.

"I am very happy to announce Melissa as our associate head coach," Kest said. "She has worked very hard over the last four years to help build our program into a Mid-American Conference contender. Melissa's relentless recruiting efforts and coaching capabilities make her very deserving of this promotion."

Akron produced one of the most prolific offenses in the country last season by averaging 73.8 points per game, the 18th-highest mark in the nation. Additionally, UA's field goal percentage (42.2), 3-point field goals per game (7.0), 3-point field goal percentage (34.4), and assists per game (15.3) all ranked in the top 35 nationally in 2011-12. The squad's scoring average was the best in program history.

Individually, Jackson was crucial in the development of Kara Murphy, the program's all-time leading scorer, and continues to mentor senior Taylor Ruper, who holds the program's career 3-pointers record.

"I am truly honored and thankful that coach Kest has the belief in me to promote me to associate head coach," Jackson said. "It is a privilege to work with coach Kest and the wonderful young women in our program. I am looking forward to the start of another year and our continued success."