Hartwick College Director of Athletics Dr. Kim Fierke announced that Jackie Craft has been named Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective August 1. She replaces Missy West who accepted the head coaching position at Division II Saint Leo University in May.
Craft has served as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at The Sage Colleges in Troy, NY for the last nine years. This past season, she led the Gators to a conference tournament title and the national tournament.
"We are so excited to have Jackie as the leader of our women’s basketball team," stated Dr. Fierke. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our already competitive program and her enthusiasm and passion will position this team for success in the future."
Craft piloted Sage to a record-breaking season in 2013-14. She led the Gators to a school record 17 victories, the program’s first Skyline Conference Championship, and its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
"I would like to thank Hartwick President, Dr. Margaret L. Drugovich, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Meg Nowak, and Athletic Director Dr. Kim Fierke for affording me the opportunity to continue the success of Hartwick Women’s Basketball," said Craft. "I am eager to join the excellent academic and athletic culture that both Hartwick College and the Empire 8 Conference offer."
Craft was the youngest Division III head coach in men’s or women’s basketball in 2005 when she began her tenure at Sage. She leaves as the all-time winningest coach in Sage history. Since 2012, Craft has also served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator.
In 2011, she received the prestigious National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) Judith M. Sweet Commitment award, which recognizes an athletics administrator who is committed to providing high-level leadership and guidance within intercollegiate athletics, goes beyond the call of duty, and provides outstanding service to their department, conference office, or organization.
A 2004 graduate of Oswego State University, she received a bachelor of science in Wellness Management with a minor in Health Science. While at Oswego, Craft was a three-year letter-winner who helped the Lakers to 44 wins. She served as team captain during her senior year.
Craft still holds the Oswego record for three-point field-goal percentage in a season after hitting 44 percent from beyond the arc in 2001-02. She ranks in the top 10 in career three-point field goals made (133) and three-pointers made in a season (54). She is also in the top five in career three-point percentage (.376) and free-throw percentage (.792) in the Laker record books.
"Our goal will be to build on the tremendous success the program has had in the past," Craft stated, "while creating and maintaining a culture that student-athletes can reach their full potential both on and off the floor."
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