Previous Entries May 8

Tia Jackson Talks Husky Basketball

May 8, 2007

Hello Husky Fans-

Although quite informal, I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with you via the internet. (Modern technology definitely has its perks!)

I cannot believe it has been a month since my press conference. What a remarkable month it has been! I've met so many wonderful individuals--from President Emmert to the young man who recognized me at the Seattle airport on my way back to North Carolina.

You know, this opportunity is a dream come true and there are days where I feel like I am walking on cloud nine and moving at the speed of light. To be honest, my feet still have not touched the ground.

I cannot say enough what a joy it is for me to be in Seattle working at one of the best institutions in the country. The excitement around Washington Athletics and the new era of Husky Women's Basketball is one to be commended. Since I departed Seattle on April 7th, my phone has not stopped ringing, my email inbox continues to overflow, and the local postman has made numerous trips to our offices to deliver congratulatory letters, flowers and care packages. I must say, the positive vibes and THE BUZZ are alive!!! Thanks for expressing your support.

I am sure you are all wondering what I have been doing since April 6th. I am not even sure where to start.

First and foremost, getting my cell phone...

Perhaps you remember one of my requests during the press conference--receiving my Washington cell phone. It was a must that I speak with not only my current players and their parents, but also the 6 incoming freshmen (who at the time knew very little about me) and their families. I could not wait to start developing relationships with each and every one of them! I have not only spoken with all of my players and their families, but I've also managed to squeeze in a few visits to their homes.

Next up, hiring my staff...

Equal in its importance was hiring those that will be working alongside me. It was vital that I bring in a hungry, experienced, energetic, knowledgeable and fun-loving staff. Loree Payne and Fred Applin have been tremendous additions to the Husky Family. Coach Payne has gone on several home visits with me and what a joy it's been to work with her. She brings so much liveliness, but more notably, she conveys HUSKY PRIDE. As a player, Coach Payne was the epitome of a Husky, having led her team to the Elite 8, named to the All Pac-10 & All-Academic Pac-10 teams during her tenure at the U. It was imperative that she be a member of this staff and reunited with the Husky family. Then there is Fred Applin, formerly at Wake Forest, Texas, and UNC-Chapel Hill, just to name a few. He has assisted in taking each of these programs to new found measures and has become a force in the recruiting world. Coach Applin is well connected not only in the regions of which he has worked, but across the nation and other countries. He brings nearly 2 decades of experience (on and off the court) and I am very fortunate to have him on board.

As for my final assistant's position, I will be at liberty to discuss more details with you in the upcoming weeks.

And finally, there is my team...

Wow, Wow, and Wow! That is the only expression I have to put in plain words the attitude, the focus and the determination of these young ladies. We have been working extremely hard for the past few weeks on the fundamentals of the game. They have come in to practices with a confident "swagger" about them and needless to say, the mentality and work ethic that will allow us to resume our rightful status in women's basketball as the PRIDE OF THE WEST! I am excited about our potential and looking forward to what we will be able to accomplish together.

Last but not least, thank you to everyone who is, wants to be and WILL be a part of the Husky Women's Basketball family.

We are in for an exciting season.

GO DAWGS!

Coach J
Head Coach
UW Women's Basketball

P-    PERSISTENCE

R-    RESPECT

I-    INTEGRITY

D-    DISCIPLINE

E-    ENERGY