The College of New Jersey department of athletics has announced Francesca ‘Chessie’ Jackson as its new head coach of the women’s basketball program. Jackson will assume her role at the college on July 1, 2017.
Jackson arrives from Princeton University, where she served as assistant basketball coach for the Tigers since June of 2015. She has also been an assistant coach at Smith College and the University of Rochester, following her playing career at William College.
“I am honored to take on this role as head women’s basketball coach at The College of New Jersey,” said Jackson. “I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a group of women who are talented, bright, and eager to continue building on past successes while striving for new heights. It is clear to me that TCNJ is a place that values excellence in all arenas, and I look forward to helping our program set a new standard of excellence moving forward. I am grateful to be joining the Lions’ family, and I look forward to forming bonds within our immediate team as well as the broader TCNJ community.”
Jackson was selected from an exceptional pool of applicants following the retirement of longtime Lions’ head coach, Dawn Henderson, who guided the TCNJ to nine NCAA tournaments, including a Final Four appearance in 2009. The Lions graduated two seniors from this past season and have 12 players returning from their 2016-17 roster.
While serving on the coaching staff at Princeton, Jackson assisted with recruiting, scouting, on-court skill sessions, and daily administrative duties. The Tigers enjoyed a historic season in 2015-16, compiling a record of 23-6 and becoming the first Ivy League basketball program to receive an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament.
“Chessie will be a great addition to the TCNJ community,” said Princeton University women’s basketball head coach Courtney Banghart. “She will lead with passion and compassion, a clear sense of purpose and competitive drive, and will be a valued teammate in the athletic department and in the greater school community. Our players, coaches, administrators, recruits, and donors experienced her selfless commitment and genuine spirit and were touched in a meaningful way by her contribution. While we hate to lose her, we wholeheartedly celebrate her next steps and we are so grateful that she is close by.”
At Smith College, Jackson was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, while serving on the Athletics Leadership Development Program. She also coordinated recruiting at the University of Rochester, along with her coaching responsibilities.
Jackson was a four-year starter at Williams College and was named captain her senior year. She ranks fourth all-time in program history in points (1,346) and ninth in rebounding (635). Jackson was a First Team All-NESCAC selection in 2010-11 and was also named Williams College Women’s Basketball Most Valuable Player. The Ephs made two NCAA appearances during her tenure and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen her junior season.
After graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in political science with a concentration in leadership studies, Jackson became a graduate assistant coach at Smith College. At Smith, she earned her master’s of science in exercise and sports studies.
Jackson hails from Galeta, CA, where she attended Dos Pueblos High School.
http://tcnjathletics.com/news/2017/6/5/jackson-named-womens-basketball-head-coach-at-tcnj.aspx
Tagged with: DIII Francesca 'Chessie' Jackson NJAC TCNJ
