Kennesaw State University head women’s basketball coach Agnus Berenato announced the completion of her 2016-17 staff with the hiring of Lisa Pace as an assistant coach, it was announced on Wednesday (Sept. 21).
A veteran Division I coach, Pace most recently served as associate head coach at LIU Brooklyn from 2010-2015. Her coaching experience also includes time at Georgia State (2008-09), Eastern Kentucky (2007-08) and Southeast Missouri State (2000-07).
“It is truly a blessing to have the opportunity to learn from one of the great leaders in our sport. Coach B’s (Berenato) passion for KSU, her family atmosphere and energy are contagious,” Pace said. “I am honored to be part of the Owl family.”
Pace becomes the final hire for Berenato, who is beginning her first season as Kennesaw State head coach. The staff also includes Khadija Head (assistant coach/recruiting coordinator), Sherill Baker (assistant coach) and Carly Sprouse (director of operations).
“I am very excited to have Lisa join our KSU staff and team. Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge with her and will work directly with the forwards and centers,” Berenato said. “Her experience in recruiting, with academics and on the court will bring added depth to our program and make her a perfect fit for us at Kennesaw State. I am happy our staff is complete, and the additional insight of a veteran coach cannot be under estimated.”
Pace, who has been to the NCAA Tournament as both a player and coach, has also coached at the international level, serving as head coach of Sports Reach where she led her teams to a pair of gold medals in Brazil in 2011 and 2012.
While at Southeast Missouri State, Pace coached the nation’s leading rebounder and helped lead the 2006-07 team to the program’s most successful season at the Division I level. The Redhawks went undefeated at home during Ohio Valley Conference play and posted a 24-7 mark.
Throughout her coaching tenure, Pace has been involved in all aspects of a program, coaching both the post and guard positions, serving as recruiting coordinator, monitoring academic progress, scheduling, film breakdown, and coordinating camps.
Well connected as a recruiter, Pace has coached players from 14 countries, nine of whom have played on their national team. She has also mentored 12 players who have gone on to play professionally, and three who have competed in the Olympics.
Pace began her coaching career as head girl’s coach at Model Laboratory High School in Richmond, Ky., before joining the Eastern Kentucky staff as a graduate assistant for the 1999-2000 season. During the summer of 2000, she completed an internship under the legendary Pat Summit at the University of Tennessee.
Pace has also been an active speaker throughout her career and has given of her time to many charitable organizations and causes.
A four-year letter winner at Eastern Kentucky from 1994 to 1998, Pace helped the Colonels to three Ohio Valley Conference titles, while leading the conference in three-point percentage during the 1995-96 season. She finished her career fourth in school history with 113 three-pointers.
Pace earned a bachelor’s of science degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky in 1999, obtained a master’s of science in sports administration in 2000, and has a continuing education degree with a focus in psychology.
Pace, who is a licensed massage therapist and a Reiki Master, is a member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is a native of Huntsville, Tenn.
http://ksuowls.com/news/2016/9/21/wbb-lisa-pace-hired-as-assistant-womens-basketball-coach.aspx
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