The University of Delaware introduced its newest head coach today, Sarah Jenkins, a former student of UD.
There was a press conference for Jenkins at the Bob Carpenter Center Club this morning.
Jenkins said in her speech, “To the blue hen’s community, thank you for your unwavering support and for welcoming me back with open arms”
She got emotional thanking former coach Natasha Adair saying “20 years ago you invested in me when I walked on campus and you made a decision to commit to me for the rest of my life and I’m forever grateful. She continued to say, “is because of you I stand here today.”
Jenkins then said, “we are going to continue to build a culture and continue to build the championship program and the motto will be we expect to win on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”
Sarah Jenkins, who served as an assistant and then associate head coach for Natasha Adair at both Georgetown and Delaware before spending last season at Penn State, has been hired as the fifth head coach in Delaware women’s basketball history.
Jenkins played four seasons at Georgetown, and ultimately returned to her alma mater to coach following eight seasons at various high schools.
In a WDEL.com article, Jenkins said in a statement “To come back to Delaware and lead the women’s basketball program is an exciting moment”, “I am beyond thrilled to return to Delaware and take over as the head coach of one of the top programs not only in the Colonial Athletic Association but the region. I am excited to build upon the championship culture that has been established and can’t wait to get started.”
It should be an interesting season for Coach Jenkins this year. The team just won the CAA Championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time in almost a decade. But some of the core players of that team won’t be returning. Two-time CAA Player of the Year and Honorable Mention All-American Jasmine Dickey announced she will enter the upcoming WNBA Draft, and veteran leaders Paris McBride, Ty Battle, and Lizzie O’Leary are also graduating.
It will be a challenge for Coach Jenkins, but a challenge she is willing to take on.
