ATLANTA - Appalachian State University women's basketball senior guard Joi Jones was named to the 2017 WBCA “So you Want to be a Coach” Program, the organization announced.
Jones is one of 61 women's basketball student-athletes across the nation that will take part in the three-day workshop held from March 29-31 in conjunction with the WBCA Convention in Dallas, Texas, the site of the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four.
“It is an honor to be accepted into the WBCA “So you Want to be a Coach” Program,” said Jones. “I look forward to being around great players, coaches and build strong relationships with people who have similar aspirations and goals as I do. I'm excited and I hope I can learn and soak up as much information as I can.”
The program is geared towards aspiring coaches that want to increase their understanding and application of skills to secure coaching jobs in women's basketball. It also increases the understanding and awareness of competencies necessary for success in coaching, introduces female basketball student-athletes to coaches and administrators, and raise awareness of the existing talent pool of female basketball players who have a passion and interest in coaching the game of women's basketball.
“We are thrilled that Joi has been selected to the “So you Want to be a Coach” Program said head coach Angel Elderkin. This is an excellent opportunity for her to build an interest in coaching and continue a career in basketball after graduation. We know Joi will take full advantage of the three-day workshop and establish connections with other professionals in the coaching field.”
Jones is set to play her final home game on Saturday against Coastal Carolina on Senior Day. In four seasons, Jones has played 116 games while Saturday will mark her 100th career start in a Black and Gold uniform. A coach on the court as the Apps' floor general, Jones is putting in another solid season averaging 13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-high 2.6 assists per game. She became the 24th member of the 1,000-point club on Jan. 24 against the Chanticleers.
Jones has put her name in the program's record books, as she is 17th all-time in scoring with 1,144 career points and seventh all-time with 286 assists. The impressive numbers make her just one of seven players in program history to rank in the top 10 assists and top 20 in points scored.
“We continue to invest in young, aspiring coaches through our 'So You Want To Be A Coach' program,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “Each year, the WBCA family reinforces our support for this important entry-level program. We have high expectations for these graduating student-athletes and the future contributions they will make to the game of women's basketball.”
About the WBCA
Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. The WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to the organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit www.WBCA.org for more details about the Association.
Jones and the Apps will tipoff against the Chanticleer at 1 p.m. on Saturday inside the Holmes Center. Senior Day festivities will begin at 12:50 p.m. just before tip.
