Winthrop women’s basketball head coach Lynette Woodard announced three additions to her staff Tuesday. Lewis Shine will join the staff as associate head coach, Jackie Alexander as an assistant coach and Nellie Schafer as the team’s director of basketball operations.
Lewis Shine comes to Winthrop most recently from Central State University, a Division II school in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) where he spent two seasons, including an 18-5 record as the acting head coach during the 2017-18 season, two-consecutive runner-up finishes in the SIAC Conference Tournament and the SIAC West Division Championship in 2016-17. Shine’s 2017-18 squad saw two players selected second-team All-Conference, was top five in the nation in several statistical categories and posted a 3.25 GPA.
“In this rebuilding stage for us, Coach Shine brings knowledge and experiences that will help us bring a championship mentality and culture to Winthrop women’s basketball,” said Woodard. “He loves the game of basketball and is a student of the game and works tirelessly to help promote the success of our student-athletes and program. His commitment to excellence will help us in developing pride in our work through player development and improving skills. This in turn will help us foster the winning culture on and off the court that we are developing here at Winthrop University and within our women’s basketball program.”
After his own collegiate playing career at Miami (Ohio), Shine went on to both play and coach professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and has also served as a basketball color commentator and analyst for FIBA, the International Basketball Federation.
Jackie Alexander joins the Winthrop staff from the Air Force Academy where she served most recently as video coordinator for the women’s basketball program, including responsibilities with the program’s marketing and recruiting efforts. Alexander was an officer in the United States Army for three years prior to joining the Air Force staff where she managed personnel and coordinated training in her compnay. Alexander also previously served as an assistant basketball coach with high school and AAU programs in Clarksville, Tenn. Alexander played collegiately for Army West Point and University of the Cumberlands, where she was a two-time NAIA Academic All-American and team captain.
“Coach Alexander brings to our program energy, enthusiasm and a passion for the game,” said Woodard. “She is a hard worker, she is disciplined and has a passion for student growth in academics and athletics.”
“Coach Alexander has a unique skillset from her military background that will help our women grow into engaged citizens and in turn help our program. She will help us mold and shape our players through team-building and bonding, and help our women become future leaders. She will also help us in building a championship culture. She is eager to get on the floor with our players. She will do a great job!”
Nellie Schafer will oversee all day-to-day activities of the program as the team’s director of basketball operations. Schafer comes to the program from a path of storied basketball success, including a most recent stop at the University of Connecticut where she experienced two national championships as assistant video coordinator with the nationally prominent UCONN women’s basketball program. Schafer also served as social media & marketing specialist with the Huskies’ women’s soccer program, including NCAA Tournament appearances. Schafer served as head team manager for four years as a student at Wisconsin-Green Bay that included NCAA Tournament appearances and assisting with operations.
“Nellie’s unparalleled organizational skills will keep continuity in our operations,” said Woodard. “She is a joy to work with. She will help us brand a championship culture in our basketball program here at Winthrop University.”
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