Jennifer Gillom, who just finished the second year of her second tour of duty as the Gators’ head coach, will remain here after taking a job as a player development coach with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, for whom she played from 1997-2002.
The situation afforded her an opportunity to work at both jobs. Gillom has a 185-36 record at Xavier from 2004-09 and 2017-18 and 2018-19, finishing as 6A Conference state runner-up the last two seasons with a 55-11 mark.
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Jennifer Gillom (Xavier photo). |
She also has been a head coach in the WNBA, for the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks and has been a coach with the U.S. Olympic Team. She won Gold Medals as a player and an assistant coach.
“I have always enjoyed working in player development, helping the young players,’’ she said Monday (April 29). “I’ll be around (the Mercury) a lot, maybe at some games, but I won’t be traveling.
“There is also something very rewarding to continue to be here at Xavier. It means a lot to be here. I have invested a lot in this program. I can continue to work on fulfilling our goal of winning a state championship.
“Xavier is a great school to be a part of and I plan to retire here.’’
She will continue to lead the Xavier team in the Thunderbird (High) Summer League in north Phoenix – the Gators won their division in 2018.
“And before you know it, a new (regular) season will be here,’’ she said.
Xavier athletic director Sr. Lynn Winsor said she was contacted by the team and Gillom about the dual roles.
“It (Mercury job) will basically be a few hours a week working with post players,’’ Winsor said. “She told me that it won’t interfere with what she is doing for us. I am excited for her.
“She has done a tremendous job for us. She has a great coaching style and you can tell by the way she treats the players. She teaches them to work hard but still have fun. She has a great attitude, great sportsmanship and the kids are the same way.’’