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Collective responsibility, self-confidence, enthusiasm and passion, toughness and an unrelenting work ethic are the foundational qualities the Royals women’s basketball team worked diligently to establish in the first year under head coach, Jenny Yopp. In 2007-2008 the third-year head coach is thrilled about the abilities and potential of her players and support staff. Coaching the Royals marks the fifth collegiate program Yopp has embraced in an attempt to help provide a catalyst toward a new level of success for the women’s basketball program.
“When I began here two seasons ago, I sincerely felt that Queens University was a sleeping giant in small- college basketball,” said Jenny Yopp. “I looked at the university leadership, the current make-up of the team, the excellent reputation of the University, the vibrant community and the talent in the state and close proximity. I know this is a great place to be.”
Yopp believes that “significantly elevating our finish in conference play, having at least one member on an all-conference team, getting the road-win monkey off our back and increasing our fan support are just a few of our program goals for the 2007-2008 season.”
Yopp’s hopes for continued growth and improvement for the future revolve around a climb into the nation’s elite. Buoyed by the support of an administration who aspires to provide the resources necessary to recruit the top student-athletes fitting for Queens University high standards, Yopp will lead a talented, but young, group in 2007. “We are going to have a lot of talent this season and we just hope that our mixture will gel.”
Her background as a point-guard for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as a first assistant at the highest level of college competition, and as a head coach at two reputable NCAA Division I institutions gives Yopp a broad-based experience, exceptional recruiting capability, and an understanding of the priority to graduate all of her student-athletes.
Yopp, a 15-year coaching veteran, brings highly regarded credentials to Queens University of Charlotte. “I feel incredibly fortunate having played for and worked for several of the most respected and successful coaches in the game of women’s basketball,” said Yopp. “I definitely feel like I’ve experienced the game at it’s highest level. Traveling the country, playing and coaching in the NCAA Tournament, and winning games in some of the most exciting arenas, have blessed me some lifelong memories.” The mentors I learned from and experiences I’ve had hold one consistent and proven factor - programs only succeed with people who are leaders in the classroom, in the community, and on the court. That goes for players and coaches alike.” Yopp’s eyes brighten when considering the constituency of her current program. “Signs of the ‘sleeping giant’ will surface this season, and I’m thrilled to have the privilege to work with and experience daily successes with all the people in our program.”
Yopp has one daughter, Mattison Jaelee Yopp (four months).
Kenya McBee enters her first season as assistant coach at Queens. Prior to joining Coach Yopp’s staff, McBee played basketball at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill.
The Greenville, S.C. native played a major roll in the championship level Tarheel program, compiling 108 wins and 26 losses during her career. After winning the ACC Championship in her senior year, Kenya competed professionally in Spain and Portugal.
McBee attained a bachelor’s degree in communications and African American Studies. McBee excelled academically as an All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honor roll student.
“I am appreciative of the opportunity with Coach Yopp and with Queens’ basketball program," said McBee. "It is an exciting time for our program and I look forward to being a part of the progress."
Lisa Jackson begins her first season as assistant coach with the Royals. Before joining the staff at Queens, Jackson played basketball while earning her bachelor’s degree in sports management at Erskine College.
While at Erskine, Jackson compiled over 1,000 points in her four year career. As a sophomore Jackson led the team in scoring with 345 points in 23 games.
Jackson’s duties will include on-court coaching, defensive system and player development, scouting, recruiting, team travel coordination, and team building.
“I look forward to working with the Royals’ basketball program and giving all I have to help this team become successful,” Jackson said. “I am excited about helping each player become successful both on the court and in their lives.”
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