Lynx Assistant Coach Carolyn Jenkins Hired as WNBA's Director of Player Personnel
November 1, 2007 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - After five years as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Lynx, Carolyn Jenkins has accepted an offer from the WNBA to become the new Director of Player Personnel. Jenkins' first official day in her new position with the WNBA is today.
"While it is a sad day for me to be ending this phase of my professional career, I am very excited to begin a new endeavor with the WNBA," Jenkins said. "I am extremely thankful to the Minnesota Lynx organization and to Glen Taylor for giving me the opportunity to coach in the WNBA. I also want to thank all of the loyal Lynx fans who made me feel right at home in the Twin Cities."
Jenkins joined the Lynx in 2003 as an assistant coach under Suzie McConnell Serio. Following McConnell Serio's departure in July 2006, Jenkins took over as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season and led the Lynx to a 2-9 record in that span. She returned to her role as an assistant coach upon Don Zierden's arrival in 2007. In this role, she oversaw all scouting to evaluate talent for the draft as well as advance scouting during the WNBA season. She was also responsible for individual player workouts and conditioning, supervised video editing and assisted with trade scenarios. During her tenure, she helped guide the Lynx to their first-ever playoff appearances in 2003 and 2004.
"C.J.'s contributions to the Lynx were invaluable," said Lynx Head Coach Don Zierden. "I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to coach with her. C.J. offered a great deal of help and support in my first season with the Lynx, and on top of that, she was a great coach. C.J.'s influence will continue to be a big part of our efforts to build a championship contender here in Minnesota."
Jenkins boasts a career in women's basketball covering a 20-year span that includes four years as a player at the University of California, Berkeley, four years as an NCAA head coach, eight years as an NCAA assistant coach and, most recently, five years as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Lynx.
"We are very grateful to C.J. for her service to the Minnesota Lynx organization over the past five seasons," said Lynx Chief Operating Officer Roger Griffith. "Her legacy with the Lynx is something that will not be forgotten. She helped guide the Lynx to our two appearances in the WNBA Playoffs and did a lot of good things, both on and off the court. We wish her the very best in her new position with the WNBA."
In her role as the WNBA's Director of Player Personnel, Jenkins will be responsible for all player-related matters including collegiate and international player evaluation, a regional scouting program, pre-draft camp, rookie orientation and other player marketing programs throughout the year. She will also work with various other WNBA departments regarding league business. Jenkins will report to Renee Brown, WNBA Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations.
"As both a coach and player, Carolyn has long been involved with the growth of women's basketball on many levels," said Brown. "In joining the League office, she will work closely with our athletes on all player-related matters. We are thrilled to keep her in the WNBA family and are confident she will continue to help move the WNBA forward."
Her collegiate coaching career includes three years as head coach at Sacramento State University (2000-03) as well as assistant coaching stints at Michigan State University (1996-2000) and Stanford University (1991-95). While at Michigan State, Jenkins spearheaded a recruiting class that was ranked among the top 25 in the country three consecutive seasons (1997-98 through 1999-00) and the Spartans won the Big Ten Conference championship during the 1996-97 campaign. During her time at Stanford, the team won three Pacific 10 Conference titles, and two of the Cardinal's recruiting classes were ranked in the top five in the nation. The Cardinal reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament each season, made two Final Four appearances and won an NCAA National Championship (1991-92).
A 1990 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Jenkins earned a degree in Economics and played four years for the Golden Bears while serving as co-captain during her senior year. She is a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, Black Coaches & Administrators Association and National Strength & Conditioning Association.
The Minnesota Lynx will celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2008. Season and group tickets are on sale now for this historic season. Be a part of the pageantry by calling 612-673-8400, e-mailing tickets@lynxbasketball.com or visiting the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from November 1, 2007
- WNBA appoints Carolyn Jenkins Director of Player Personnel - WNBA
- Lynx Assistant Coach Carolyn Jenkins Hired as WNBA's Director of Player Personnel - Minnesota Lynx
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
