Northwestern University Athletics
Ali Jaques Named Associate Head Coach
10/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 1, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Ali Jaques has been named the Wildcats' associate head coach, head coach Joe McKeown announced today (October 1). Jaques, who enters her second season at Northwestern, served as an assistant coach under McKeown for two seasons at George Washington before making the move to Evanston to once again coach for the veteran mentor.
"I am excited to name Ali associate head coach," McKeown said. "She is a tireless recruiter, an outstanding floor coach and her energy level will help get Northwestern pointed in the right direction. Ali's NCAA experiences at George Washington (back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances) give her a great blueprint for what it takes to compete at the national level. She will assist in all facets of head coaching decision-making, as well as play an integral role in the marketing of our program and helping us achieve academic success. Ali is, and will continue to be, a great role model for our student-athletes."
In just one season at Northwestern, Jaques made an immediate impact in the women's basketball recruiting world. As recruiting coordinator, she was the driving force behind this year's freshman class, which was ranked 20th in the nation by Hoopgurlz.com. Also in that inaugural season, Jaques recognized potential of the Wildcat program and her passion for being a part of the Northwestern family.
"I am honored and humbled by this appointment," Jaques said. "Coach McKeown has been an amazing mentor for me throughout my career. When I finally had the chance to work for him at George Washington, it was a dream come true. A few years and one big move later, there is no question in my mind that this is where I belong. Northwestern allows us to recruit and coach some of the most intelligent, dedicated and well-rounded young women in the world. I love going to work everyday because of our talented and outstanding staff and I know our future is very bright."
The Wildcats tip off the 2009-10 campaign at 6 p.m. at Toledo on Nov. 13. The home opener is slated for 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
