Christy Thomaskutty, the head women’s basketball coach at Emory University since 2003, has announced her resignation. Thomaskutty cited health issues as the reason for her decision.
Thomaskutty spent the past 14 years patrolling the Eagles’ sidelines, where she compiled an overall won-lost slate of 187-166. She compiled eight winning seasons, including a 24-4 slate in 2012-13 season, which represented a school record for most victories in a campaign. Emory also captured the program’s first-ever University Athletic Association title that year, posting a school record 12 wins in league action, and advanced to the Round of 16 in the NCAA D-III Tournament.
“First off, I want to let everybody know that I’m fine and doing well,” Thomaskutty said. “But, I am coming out on the other end of some health issues that have left me without the energy needed to coach these young women at the level which they deserve.
“I will always treasure my time at Emory and sincerely appreciate all the dedicated players, coaches and support staff who I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Emory is an amazing school with outstanding students, and I can say that I’ve been blessed to have had the chance to coach and work here.”
Thomaskutty coached 21 players to first- or second-team All-UAA honors – including Lora Turner and Hannah Lilly, both of whom garnered two berths on the first team. In addition, she mentored Lilly and current Emory assistant coach Misha Jackson to Honorable Mention All-America acclaim.
In July of this year, Thomaskutty was named Vice President of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). In addition, she has been a member of the WBCA Board of Directors, serving as NCAA Division III legislative chair, for the past five years. She has also served on the WBCA Executive Committee as the NCAA Division II/NCAA Division III at-large board representative.
“We thank Christy for all of her hard work and dedication throughout the years,” stated Emory Athletics Director Dr. Michael Vienna. “She possessed great drive and determination in helping her players succeed both on and off the court, while earning great respect within our department and the Emory community.” Her care for the game and for her coaching colleagues is certainly evidenced by her selection as Vice President of the WBCA. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Thomaskutty saw her Emory squads record three of the program’s top-six season scoring averages, the top four steal marks, seven of the school’s top-10 assists totals, and all top 10 three-point field goal totals.
Dr. Vienna stated that Misha Jackson will serve as Interim Head Coach for the 2017-18 season. Jackson was a three-year member of the program (2010-11 through 2012-13) and closed out her career ranked prominently in a host of statistical categories including blocked shots (2nd, 95), rebounds (7th, 621) and points (10th, 900). A native of Atlanta and graduate of St. Pius X High School, she began her stint on the Emory staff in 2013-14.
“We are fortunate to have Misha assume the interim head coaching duties,” Vienna said. “Her familiarity with the players on the roster is a big plus with the start of practice quickly approaching. She has been a loyal and extremely capable member of the coaching staff at her alma mater, and will transition well into her new role.”
Thomaskutty echoed Vienna’s sentiments when talking about Jackson.
“I can’t think of a more deserving person than Misha to take over the coaching duties and to represent Emory University,” Thomaskutty said. “She possesses knowledge well beyond her years and is the type of coach student-athletes aspire to play for. Her character and loyalty are second to none and it has been very rewarding to watch her grow in the profession.”
Photo Courtesy Emory Athletics
http://www.emoryathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2017-18/releases/20171005pp0p8o
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