The San José State women’s basketball program names Khalilah Mitchell to April Phillips‘ coaching staff as assistant coach, San José State Athletics officials announced on Wednesday. Mitchell comes to the Bay Area after four years as an assistant coach at the University of Hawaii where her main focus was on player development.
“Alignment is important,” said Coach Phillips. “Khalilah shares the same love, purpose and dedication to the game as I do. She’s passionate, genuine, hard working, and believes that the student athlete experience and competing at a high level can coexist. Khalilah brings a wealth of experience to our staff. She’s phenomenal with relationship building, skill development, has an eye for evaluating talent, and really understands the game. Having competed in five final fours as a student athlete at LSU, I know that she understands the commitment it takes to compete for championships not only in March, but each and every day. Khalilah will be great for our young women, in the community, and in between the lines! I am thrilled she has opted to join us in the rejuvenation of San Jose State Women’s Basketball.”
As an assistant coach with UH, Mitchell helped lead the ‘Bows to the Big West Conference Tournaments semifinals or championship game every season after her arrival in the spring of 2018. Prior to her time at Hawaii, she served as a graduate assistant at UCF from 2009-2011 and then as assistant coach from 2011-2014. During her tenure with the UCF program, the team notched two Conference USA championships. Mitchell played collegiately at LSU from 2004-2008. She lost one season due to injury. During her five years on campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mitchell was a part of five consecutive NCAA Final Four teams and three Southeastern Conference championships.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Coach Phillips,” said Mitchell. “Coach AP is one of the most well respected coaches across the country, and it is an honor to be a part of her staff. I am so energized to begin connecting with our ladies, and assist Coach Phillips in building this program and taking it to new heights. I believe in Coach Phillips’ vision, and I’m all in to help her attain this goal.”
What they are saying about Coach Mitchell
Laura Beeman, Head Coach, University of Hawaii Women’s Basketball
“As sad as we all are to see Khalilah leave our ‘ohana, we are as equally excited to see what this next chapter brings to her. Wherever life takes her, Khalilah will make a difference with her positive outlook and passion for growth. Aloha Coach K.”
Photo Courtesy SJSU Athletics
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