Banghart calls TCNJ coach Jackson a star
When Courtney Banghart, the Princeton coach, interviewed Chessie Jackson for an assistant position it didn’t take long for her to make a decision.
At the same time the highly successful Tigers coach knew Jackson might not be hanging around Jadwin Gymnasium too long.
“Bringing Chessie to Princeton was an easy decision for me,” said Banghart. “That says a lot given that choosing our people is one of the most important things I do. Chessie is a star and I knew it upon our first meeting.”
A star that is now shining brightly as the head coach at The College of New Jersey.
During her first season at the helm, Jackson has the Lions at 11-4 overall and 6-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Lions are in third place and are coming off an excellent performance against No. 21 Montclair State (14-1, 9-0 NJAC).
TCNJ fell to the Red Hawks, 54-51 in Montclair last Saturday, but it was an inspired effort.
“We really defended well,” said Jackson of the Montclair State game. “I am proud of the commitment and dependability on that end of the floor. I’m hopeful that the take away for our players is that we need to continue committing to the defensive end and that we are capable of competing with anyone.”
The Lions face Rutgers-Camden (8-7, 7-4 NJAC) on Wednesday and Kean (6-9, 3-6 NJAC) on Saturday with both games being held in TCNJ’s Packer Hall.
This begins the second half of the NJAC schedule, and going by the first 15 games, Jackson will have the Lions ready.
“She is able to connect quickly with people,” said Banghart. “She has a gentle demeanor and a charisma and wit that endears her to all. She is so smart, with a kindness and work ethic that would ensure success in any career path.”
It’s been a pretty good walk along the path at TCNJ in the early going for Jackson.
“I am having a blast with this group,” said Jackson. “I could not have asked for a more coachable team, which has created a real opportunity out of each and every day. They have been completely responsive to all the new ideas and challenges and it has brought this group together. I feel really fortunate that my first year in this role has been with this particular group of women.”
On the court, the Lions have been led by Jen Byrne with a 17.4 points per game, which is second best in the conference. Kate O’Leary adds 11.3, Shannon Devitt gets 10 and 8.4 rebounds per contest.
Devitt earned her sixth NJAC Rookie of the Week this week after averaging eight points, eight rebounds and three steals in a pair of games.
The Lions have only three seniors and another of the traits of Jackson’s that impressed Banghart was passion for the game and desire to teach it.
“She has a love for the game of basketball and teaching that has captured her in our profession,” said Banghart. “TCNJ is lucky to have her and they already are seeing that in her first year in the role.”