Former Olympain Jackson Named Assistant Basketball Coach

Former Olympain Jackson Named Assistant Basketball Coach
Contact: Sean Cartell
352.395.5616
athletics@sfcc.edu
http://inst.sfcc.edu/~hes

GAINESVILLE, Fla.- A former U.S. Olympic athlete, WNBA star, and University of Florida great, Tammy Jackson has been named assistant women's basketball coach at Santa Fe Community College, head coach Chanda Stebbins announced Monday.

Jackson, a lifelong Gainesville resident, attended both Buchholz High School and the University of Florida. She was part of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team that won a bronze medal in Barcelona. This is the first coaching job for Jackson, who looks to transfer her knowledge on the court to the bench to assist young student-athletes.

"It feels good to be back at home," Jackson said. "I was always known as an old-school player and hopefully I can teach the players here some old-school tricks."

The 16th overall pick by the Houston Comets in the 1998 WNBA draft, Jackson played seven seasons of professional basketball, six with the Comets under Van Chancellor and one with the Washington Mystics. Jackson, who was a key part of four world championships with the Comets, retired following the 2002 season after nagging knee injuries.

"I am excited to have Tammy join us," Stebbins said. "Her playing experience alone will be a great asset to our program. She has played for a lot of great coaches and she has learned a lot from them that she will be able to teach our players."

Playing at UF from 1981-85 under coaches Mickie DeMoss and Debbie Yow, Jackson still holds the distinction of being the quickest Gator to reach the 1,000-point club. Jackson eclipsed the 1,000-point plateau after only 51 games played. The Gators compiled a record of 65-50 during her playing days.

Jackson is second on the all-time list for most double-doubles in a season at Florida with 21 in 1983. Jackson also holds the record for best field goal percentage in a single season with a .615 clip in the 1981-82 season.

In 1982-83, Jackson led the Southeastern Conference in rebounding with a 12.7 rebounds per game average.

She was named to the all-SEC first-team three consecutive seasons (1982-84) and finished her Gator career averaging 17.1 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Before joining the WNBA, Jackson played 10 seasons overseas, including leading the Chanson Cosmetics of Japan to three consecutive championships from 1990-93.

Jackson, who also played in the 1990 U.S. Goodwill Games, holds the record for highest individual field goal percentage in a game in Goodwill Games history when she hit 4-of-4 shots from the field against Australia on Aug. 2, 1990.

At Santa Fe, Jackson's main responsibility will be working with the post players. Her additional responsibilities include recruiting, community service and academic monitoring.

"I am looking forward to the impact Tammy will have on our student-athletes," Stebbins said. "Her national and international experience will be valuable in placing our players at the next level."

Born Dec. 3, 1962, Jackson is the youngest of six children and resides in Gainesville, Fla.