The University of Mississippi Athletics
Jennifer Gillom Named Head Coach Of Minnesota Lynx
6/3/2009 | Women's Basketball
Gillom, who becomes the sixth head coach in franchise history, joined the Lynx as an assistant coach on Zierden's staff in 2008 after an extremely distinguished professional career. With the Lynx, Gillom was responsible for assisting with the team’s scouting efforts, talent evaluation, and player development with a focus on the forwards and centers.
“While we're disappointed to see Don leave, we're very excited about the future of this team with Jen Gillom at the helm," Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith said. "Jen is one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball and brings 17 years of experience, both as a player and coach. She's learned from some of the all-time greatest coaches in the women's game, and we're confident that she will be a great leader.”
"I want to thank Don for the time and effort he put in to prepare me for this tremendous opportunity I've learned so much from him," Gillom said. "I also want to thank Glen Taylor and Roger Griffith for their steadfast commitment and belief in my coaching abilities.
“I've learned under some of the legends of the women's game: Kay Yow, Van Chancellor, Cheryl Miller, Nancy Lieberman, Katrina McClain. They've all prepared me to become a head coach in the WNBA. It's always been my goal to be a head coach in the WNBA and to achieve that in
Under Gillom's tutelage, center Nicky Anosike earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors. Additionally, forward Charde Houston averaged 8.8 ppg in 2008, the highest scoring average ever by a third round or later pick in their rookie season in WNBA history.
"We'll miss Coach Z, but Coach Jen will step right in and be a successful head coach in this league," Anosike said. "Coach Jen has taught me so much. I owe her a lot of credit for my successes in the league. She knows how to lead and she's the perfect person to take over."
Gillom, who was one of the first players signed by the WNBA, played seven seasons in the league (1997 - 2003), including six with the Phoenix Mercury. She led the Mercury to three playoff berths (1997, 1998, 2000), where they advanced to the 1998 WNBA Finals.
After playing her final season with the Los Angeles Sparks, Gillom retired from the WNBA with career averages of 13.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Her best season in the WNBA came with the Mercury in 1998, where she closed out the season with career-high averages of 20.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
The WNBA’s 2002 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award recipient, Gillom was selected to the 1999 All-Star team and was also named to the 1997 All-WNBA First Team. She was named the 1985 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. Gillom collected a total of six gold medals in international competition, including the gold at the 1988 Olympics.
A 1986 Ole Miss graduate from
In her four years at Ole Miss, Gillom was a member of Rebel teams that compiled an overall record of 103-23, went to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including two Sweet Sixteens and two Elite Eights, and won three SEC West titles. She was honored with the distinction of SEC Female Athlete of the Year and was a Kodak All-America pick as a senior.
Gillom began her coaching career in 2004 with the girl's basketball team at Xavier College Preparatory, a private high school in
In recognition of her storied career in women's basketball, Gillom will be one of six inductees into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on June 13, which is her 45th birthday.
The Minnesota Lynx open their 11th year of basketball June 6 by hosting the Chicago Sky, who are led by another former Rebel All-American Armintie Price.
