CU Buffs appoints fresh women's basketball coach
Head Coach JR Payne Puts Trust in New Assistant JoJo Hernandez
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Swish into the new season as the Colorado women's basketball team welcomes their fresh addition - Jordynn "JoJo" Hernandez as their new assistant coach! Announced on Monday, this dynamic and talented coach has been poached from Stephen F. Austin, replacing former star Bianca Smith who whisked off to Michigan State last April.
Flaunted by Payne as one of the hottest young talents in the coaching scene, Hernandez's passion for recruitment, player development, and student mentorship has landed her this much-coveted spot. With her vibrant energy, vision, and unwavering commitment to nurturing athletes, the Colorado crowd will surely witness an exciting new chapter in the team's growth.
Hernandez, having spent the last two seasons working for SFA, leaves behind an impressive legacy. Under her watch, the team tackled a whopping 51 wins, did battle in two conference tournament championship game appearances, and even ventured into the NCAA Tournament following their triumph at the Southland Conference Tournament this past year.
An alumna of UT Arlington, Hernandez departed SFA after two winning seasons as an assistant coach. Initially, she served as a graduate assistant in the 2021-22 academic year, before climbing the ranks as the director of player development in the 2022-23 campaign. The Mavericks reached new heights during her tenure, racking up a 20-8 record, claiming the Sun Belt tournament, and securing a place in the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
A native Texan, Hernandez embarked on her playing career at Collin College before making her way to UT Arlington. However, a knee injury sidelined her for the entire 2019-20 season. Roaring back to the court in the subsequent year, she amassed 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game over a 13-match stint.
Overjoyed at her new appointment, Hernandez expressed her gratitude and eagerness to join the Colorado family, praising their values and ambition. "Sko Buffs!" she cheered, eager to start relationship building and help propel the team to greater heights.
In addition to this exciting hire, Colorado recently announced that assistant coach Matt Hower will now shoulder the title of Basketball Strategy and Roster Management assistant coach. Stay tuned as we follow this team's exhilarating journey in the upcoming season!
As the Colorado women's basketball team prepares for the new season, the community eagerly anticipates the impact of their new assistant coach, JoJo Hernandez. Hernandez's impressive coaching record at Stephen F. Austin, which includes a 51-win stretch and multiple tournament appearances, demonstrates her expertise in sports policy and player development.
Hernandez's appointment not only strengthens the Colorado team but also reflects the university's commitment to nurturing young talent, a policy that resonates with the student body. With her passion for sports and student mentorship, she is expected to make significant contributions to both the basketball team and the broader student community.
Politics may have played a role in Hernandez's move, as she left SFA to join Colorado, but her focus is now on the court. As a native Texan with a brief playing career at Collin College and UT Arlington, she brings a unique perspective and understands the challenges faced by student-athletes.
In addition to the hire of JoJo Hernandez, the Colorado basketball team has also promoted assistant coach Matt Hower to the position of Basketball Strategy and Roster Management assistant coach. With these changes, the team aims to create a cohesive and strategic environment that will lead to success in the upcoming season and beyond.
