At 23 with no previous coaching experience, the optimist in Jessika Stratton sees the plus side to her head coaching position at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: unbridled enthusiasm and extensive playing experience in a major- college program.
The former Coronado High School and Baylor guard left a budding pro career in the Czech Republic to replace Marty Fletcher, who was 27-54 in three years as coach of the UCCS women’s basketball team.
Shortly after Stratton made it clear that she is the coach, not a peer, two freshmen quit and two veterans were dismissed for violating team rules. That left the rookie coach with nine players.
Stratton’s confidence, knowledge of the game and veteran resources – UCCS athletic director Stephen Kirkham, assistant coach Phil Johnson and Baylor coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson – have helped her keep her bearings during a 2-4 start.
“It has been a blessing,” said Stratton, whose team lost 66-53 to Fort Hays State on Saturday. “It is definitely hard and challenging, and I love it.”
While developing a strategic philosophy is crucial, Stratton takes a page from her mentor.
“Primarily, college basketball is all about the people,” she said. “Coach Mulkey would say, ‘It’s not all about the X’s and O’s, it’s about the Jennys and Joes.”‘
With 30 years coaching middle school, high school and club teams, Johnson counters her inexperience.
“He’s good at my weaknesses,” Stratton said. “I can show you how to play, but to teach and express it in a way you can understand, he’s good at that.”
Kirkham has helped with off-court matters, such as travel plans. His young protégé has already made a mark, gathering her players to install insulation in a Habitat for Humanity home and conducting a fundraiser for new uniforms to reflect the change in the school name.
At Baylor, Stratton set the school single-season record with a 45 percent mark from the 3-point line and was the Big 12 sportswoman of the year in 2004.
Her leadership is inspiring, according to UCCS forward Jennine Sauter.
“She has made an amazing difference from the coach we had the past three years to now,” Sauter said. “She’s someone who wants to be here. And she’s a motivator. She knows how to tell us we’re good, that we can succeed.”
Sauter, a senior from Smoky Hill High School, has increased her scoring average from 10.8 points last season to 22.5, including 29 points Thursday in a 70-60 win over Chadron (Neb.) State. Her sister, Stephanie, a sophomore, had 10 rebounds, eight points and seven steals.
Next weekend in Denver, the Mountain Lions face the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s premier programs, Regis and Metro State.
“We’re excited to play the best,” Stratton said. “It gives you a chance to prove yourself and see how far you have left to go.”
