Melissa Jackson is the head coach of the Youngstown State Penguins women's basketball team.[1] Previously, she was the head coach at the University of Akron[2] and an assistant coach for Cleveland State.[3]

Melissa Jackson
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamYoungstown State
ConferenceHorizon League
Biographical details
BornHazleton, Pennsylvania
Playing career
2000–2004Richmond
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2004–2008Delaware (asst.)
2008–2018Akron (asst.)
2018–2023Akron
2023–2024Cleveland State (asst.)
2024–presentYoungstown State
Head coaching record
Overall72–69 (.511)

Career

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She was an assistant to Akron head coach Jodi Kest for ten years before being promoted to head coach in June 2018.[4] Prior to Akron she was an assistant coach at Delaware. She played basketball at Richmond.[2] She led Akron to a 2022 Women's National Invitation Tournament appearance. During her fifth season, Akron announced on February 21, 2023 that Jackson's contract will not be renewed at the end of the season, ending her 5-year tenure.[5] On August 8, 2023 she accepted an assistant position at Cleveland State under Chris Kielsmeier.[6] On March 14, 2024, Jackson was named the new head coach of Youngstown State University.[1]

Personal life

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Jackson was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.[1] While at the University of Richmond she earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2004. She and her husband Drew have two sons, Luke and Ben.[2]

Head coaching record

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Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Akron (Mid-American Conference) (2018–2023)
2018–19[7] Akron 16–15 7–9 5th (East) WBI First Found
2019–20[8] Akron 15–15 8–10 4th (East)
2020–21[9] Akron 7–14 4–14 11th
2021–22[10] Akron 17–12 13–7 3rd WNIT First Round
2022–23 Akron 17–13 8–10 T–5th
Akron: 72–69 (.511) 40–50 (.444)
Total: 72–69 (.511)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Melissa Jackson Chosen to Lead Youngstown State's Women's Basketball Program". Youngstown State University. 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
  2. ^ a b c "MELISSA JACKSON – Women's Basketball Coach". University of Akron Athletics. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  3. ^ "Kielsmeier Announces Assistant Coaches For Upcoming 2023–24 Campaign".
  4. ^ "Jackson moves over one chair, assumes control of Akron program". Canton Repsitory. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  5. ^ Ulrich, Nate; Easterling, Chris (February 21, 2023). "University of Akron decides Melissa Jackson won't be back as its women's basketball coach". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  6. ^ "8/8/23 – Melissa Jackson Named Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Cleveland State". The BDS Agency. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  7. ^ "2018–19 Akron Women's Basketball Schedule". University of Akron Athletics. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  8. ^ "2019–20 Akron Women's Basketball Schedule". University of Akron Athletics. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  9. ^ "2020–21 Akron Women's Basketball Schedule". University of Akron Athletics. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  10. ^ "2021–22 Akron Women's Basketball Schedule". University of Akron Athletics. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
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