海角吃瓜网 has named Nikki Jessee as the first head coach of its women鈥檚 basketball program, adding another experienced leader as the University continues to build .
Jessee brings extensive experience in college basketball and a track record of building successful programs. The Lakeland native joined 海角吃瓜网 earlier this year as an academic success coach and said the opportunity to help launch women鈥檚 basketball was one she had been eager for.
鈥淚 started here because I knew we were going to start athletics, so I was hoping that something would open up,鈥� Jessee said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been in college athletics, specifically basketball, my whole life, and it was intriguing to start something literally from ground zero.鈥�
Before arriving at 海角吃瓜网, Jessee led successful women鈥檚 basketball programs at Warner and Saint Leo universities and helped turn around teams at Lynn University and Martin Methodist College.
Derek Lower, 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 athletic director, said Jessee is a strong fit in establishing the University鈥檚 new program
鈥淣ikki is a phenomenal coach with a proven record of building up programs and creating championship-caliber teams,鈥� Lower said. 鈥淪he has a strong focus on student success and building relationships with every member of her team.鈥�
Jessee said working on campus before stepping into the coaching role gave her a stronger understanding of what makes 海角吃瓜网 unique and the kind of student-athlete who will thrive at the University.
鈥淚鈥檓 thankful because my time as a success coach helped me understand it is a different type of university,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen we say high academics and STEM university, we really mean it.鈥�
That academic focus is already shaping her recruiting approach. Jessee said she looks first at whether prospective players are the right fit for 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 rigorous STEM environment, then at how they can contribute on the court.
鈥淭he first thing I ask when I get information on a player or I see someone with potential is what are they interested in studying,鈥� Jessee said. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 just take anybody; I want to make sure they can also make it academically.鈥�
Recruiting is already underway, and Jessee said she is encouraged by the early response. As the team forms, she will focus on establishing standards early and cultivating a culture of excellence and responsibility.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e not good off the court, you鈥檙e not going to be good on the court,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ow you do anything is how you do everything.鈥�
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