Kaskaskia College will not have a women’s basketball season this year.
After the departure of coach Jay Jenkins in July, the school administration tried to find an interim replacement. However, with no assistant coach on staff and only 6 players committed in the program, the board announced on Wednesday to forgo the upcoming season.
In a statement released, the school stated, “As a result of the unexpected departure of head coach Jay Jenkins at the end of July, the College was unsuccessful in its multiple attempts to find an interim coach on such short notice.”
They did emphasize this would be for the 2023-24 school year only, and would give the school time to conduct a formal search for a permanent coach to build long-term stability and ensure the type of season the current and future athletes deserve.”
Jenkins took over the Blue Angels program in the 2016-17 season, and is coming off his best year in terms of record leading the Angels to a 17-14 record including 7-7 in the GRAC. He took the head coaching job at Southwestern Michigan College.
President George Evans affirmed the school’s commitment to the six athletes that have committed to the program and they would be honoring their scholarships for this season and for next season should they choose to return. He also stated the athletes would not lose a year of athletic eligibility and will be given access to the gym and fitness center facilities to continue to practice and develop their skills.”
