April 7, 2008

LAURINBURG, N.C.—St. Andrews Presbyterian College Director of Athletics, Brian Mand, announced today that Jessica Vanco has been named head coach of the Lady Knights women’s basketball program effective immediately.

“We are very fortunate to hire someone with the background, experience and stature in the women’s college basketball coaching ranks that Jessica possesses and makes her an ideal “fit” for St. Andrews,” said Mand.

Vanco replaces David Johnson who resigned after four years with the St. Andrews women’s basketball program.

“I am very excited to be the next head coach at St. Andrews Presbyterian College,” said Vanco. “I believe a liberal arts education is an outstanding way to be educated and it was important for me to coach at a high academic school like St. Andrews. I look forward to working with the returning players and newcomers on and off the court. I believe we will set the tone in Conference Carolinas with our work ethic and style of play.”

Vanco enters her first year at St. Andrews after serving as the head coach at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., for the past four years. During her tenure at Presbyterian, Vanco coached the Blue Hose to a 21-win season in 2005/06, earning the distinction of being the most improved women’s basketball team in Division II (out of more that 280 colleges). Vanco also has been instrumental in Presbyterian’s transition to NCAA Division I including the program’s first win against a D-I opponent.

Vanco, who brings a total of 10 years of coaching experience to the SAPC women’s basketball program, was in charge of all areas of the PC program. In addition to coaching the team at Presbyterian, Vanco has successfully recruited student-athletes, supervised coaches and managers, overseen all aspects of student-athlete academics, developed strength & conditioning program, and worked as a volunteer with the CHAMPS and Champions programs.

Mand concluded, “She is held in highest regard within her profession and will lead and direct the St. Andrews women’s basketball program with the class, dignity and commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, which has become her trademark as both an assistant and head college coach. Jessica will provide the stability and discipline that the Lady Knights program needs to build upon and sustain the success the program has demonstrated in recent years.”

Prior to becoming the head coach at Presbyterian, Vanco spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Division I Furman University (Greenville, S.C.) and one season at both the United States Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.) and Salem International University (Salem, W.Va.).

In addition, Vanco also adds valuable coaching experience as a volunteer coach with the Boston University and La Selle College women’s basketball programs.

Vanco, a native of Medina, Ohio, graduated from St. Bonaventure University (St. Bonaventure, N.Y.) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1999. Vanco was a four-year letterwinner on the Bonnies women’s basketball team. She was the team’s most improved player as a junior and was a captain during her senior season.

Vanco earned her Masters of Education with specialization in Counseling and Sports Psychology in 2000 from Boston University (Boston, Mass.).

EDITORS NOTE: Portions of the release including the photo of Jessica Vanco were provided by the Presbyterian College Sports Information Office.