DePaul University Athletics
Women's Basketball Announces Staff Changes
10/3/2002 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO - DePaul women's basketball coach Doug Bruno announced today the promotion of his three assistant coaches. With the departure of Lisa Ryckbosch earlier this summer, Maggie Dixon moved into the recruiting coordinator role, Candis Blankson became the second assistant and Jana Mathis moved from the Director of Basketball Operations into an assistant role.
"When Lisa Ryckbosch was named UIC's head coach, Maggie, Candis and Jana had all done such a great job in their previous roles that promoting each of them was a no-brainer," said Bruno. "Their enthusiasm and passion for the game, teaching of the game and recruitment of great student-athletes give DePaul one of the best assistant coaching staffs in the country."
Entering her third season on the coaching staff, Dixon has seen her role go from being the Director of Basketball Operations to Bruno's top assistant. After serving as the Director of Basketball Operations for the 2000-01 season, Dixon moved into an assistant role the summer of 2001. Once Lisa Ryckbosch accepted the head coaching job at Illinois-Chicago this summer, Dixon assumed her duties as recruiting coordinator. The Los Angeles native and 1999 graduate of the University of San Diego was a four-year letterwinner and team captain for the women's basketball team.
Former DePaul standout Candis Blankson begins her second season on the coaching staff. After earning her Business degree and playing in over 100 games from 1997-01, Blankson moved into a coaching role prior to the 2001-02 campaign. This season she adds recruiting to her responsibilities as well working with the players and in the day-to-day operations of the DePaul basketball program. Blankson etched her name in the DePaul record books during her four seasons and finished her career ranked eighth all-time with 72 three-point field goals and 22nd with 104 games played. In the classroom, the Country Club Hills, native was a three-time Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. As a prep star at Hillcrest High School, Blankson was an All-Stater and class valedictorian.
Entering her second season on the Blue Demons staff is Jana Mathis. Last season, she was the Director of Basketball Operations. In addition to her recruiting and coaching roles, she will also handle the team travel and film exchange. Prior to DePaul, the Barrington native, was an assistant at Fenwick High School. She helped lead the Friars to a two-year record of 71-5 and the 2001 Illinois State Championship. The 1999 graduate of DePauw University played three seasons for the Tigers and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.