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."

Women's Basketball Welcomes New Assistant Coach!!!

The University of Akron head women's basketball coach Jodi Kest announced the addition of Glenn Box to the Zips' coaching staff.

Box brings multiple seasons of junior college head coaching experience and several years of Division I assistant coaching experience to the Akron bench. He will primarily work with the program's post players and serve as the team's defensive coordinator. Box will also oversee junior college recruiting, scheduling, and be the liaison for strength and conditioning.

"We are excited to have Glenn join the Akron women's basketball family," Kest said. "His head coaching experience at the junior college level, assistant coaching experience at the Division I level, and familiarity with the Mid-American Conference will be assets for our program. Glenn is a coach with lots of passion, energy and drive. I am certain our student-athletes will enjoy working with Glenn immensely."

WBB welcomes 3 new additions!!!

Two guards and a center have signed National Letters of Intent and will join The University of Akron women's basketball team this fall, head coach Jodi Kest announced Thursday.


Northeast Ohio high school products Anita Brown and Megan Barilla, and Akron native Cari Guyton are set to become the newest members of the UA program.

"These three young ladies will be excellent additions to our basketball team," Kest remarked. "They will contribute to our team tremendously as we continue to build a championship program."

Brown (Warren, Ohio/Warren Harding), a 5-9 guard, averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds per game last season on her way to an OHSAA Division I Third-Team All-Ohio selection. She is the only player in Harding history to score over 1,000 points and grab over 1,000 rebounds. Brown also holds the school record for points in a game (45). In addition to her all-state honors, Brown was named first-team all-district and was the Most Valuable Player of the North-South All-Star Game.

"Anita is a great addition to our program," Kest said. "She has the ability to put up big numbers on the offensive end, but is also a good defender. She will bring added athleticism and a competitive spirit to our team."

Barilla (Fairview Park, Ohio/Magnificat) was a four-year varsity letter winner and a three-time captain at Magnificat High School. A 5-10 guard, Barilla averaged 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 steals as a senior and led the Blue Streaks to a 70-23 record during her four seasons. She was also named to the Adidas Hoosier Hardwood Championship All-Tournament Team.

Megan is a winner both on and off the court," Kest said. "She comes from a great high school program in Magnificat, which is rich in girl's basketball tradition. Megan will provide us with depth at the guard position."

Guyton (Akron, Ohio/Pratt JC (Kan.)) will be returning home after playing the last two seasons at Pratt Junior College in Kansas. The 6-2 center averaged 12 points and 8.6 boards per game last season and led the Jayhawk Conference in rebounding. Guyton also ranked second in the conference in field goal percentage at 54-percent. Guyton prepped at Firestone High School and led the Falcons to a 20-2 record in her senior year.

"Cari is a true center. She has great hands and the ability to finish around the basket," Kest commented "She is a big body who takes up a lot of space in the paint, and she rebounds the basketball very well. We are excited to welcome Cari back home to Akron."

                        Cari Guyton

                    Anita Brown

                Megan Barilla

WBB End of the Year Banquet

We had another great end of the year banquet. The banquet is always a special time to honor our players and support staff. We are pleased to annouce the award winners!

MVP- Sina King

Most Improved- Carly Young

Coaches Award- Kacie Cassell

Academic Award- Rachel Tecca

Community Service Award- Hanna Luburgh

It was also a great night as we honored Coach Kest for her 300th win which took place this past year. And Taylor Ruper for breaking the school record for most made 3pointers!

                                         Coach Kest with Sophmore MVP Sina King

Akron Womens Basketball JOCK JAMS!!!

Check out our third place finish in this years Jock Jams!