June 29, 2001

Champaign, Ill. - Jennifer Jacoby can identify with the Hickory Huskers of the movie classic Hoosiers. She grew up in a town about that size and has lived basketball all her life. The former Indiana High School phenom and all-Big Ten performer was named assistant coach at the University of Illinois Friday. She replaces Krista Reinking, who resigned earlier this summer to pursue other interests.

Growing up in rural Indiana, Jacoby has had a basketball in her hand since the age of five. A native of Rossville, Ind., and one of just 30 in her graduating class, Jacoby finished her high school career as the state's second all-time leading scorer, netting 2,343 and averaging 28.9 points per game for her career. That figure currently ranks fourth on the list. She earned Indiana Miss Basketball honors and was a member of USA Today's top 25 during her senior year of 1991.

Growing up just a few miles from Lafayette, Ind., the 5-7 Jacoby played for Purdue from 1992-95. After suffering a torn ACL as a freshman, Jacoby started 16 games as a sophomore and led the team with 47 three-pointers. She started every game at point guard during her junior and senior campaigns, earning Honorable Mention all-Big Ten honors as a junior and Second Team All-Big Ten accolades as a senior. She was named team MVP both of those years.

Purdue went 53-13 during those two seasons and claimed back-to-back Big Ten co-championships. Jacoby scored a team-high 20 points in an 82-65 victory over Stanford in the 1994 NCAA Regional Final as Purdue advanced to the Final Four. The Boilermakers reached the Elite Eight in '95. Jacoby ranks fourth on the Purdue all-time assist list (427) and third in career three-pointers (157).

After earning a bachelor of arts degree in movement and science, Jacoby toured with Athletes in Action and played two years for the Portland Power of the ABL. She claimed first place in the league's three-point contest.

Jacoby is familiar with the Big Ten as a coach, having served as assistant coach under Jim Izard at Indiana from 1998-2000. She coached alongside current Illinois assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Renee Reed for one of those years. Jacoby was an assistant coach at Miami, Ohio, during the 2000-2001 season.

Having always admired the work of Theresa Grentz, her time working Coach Grentz's summer camp spurned her interest in the job. "This is just a great opportunity," said Jacoby. "Coach Grentz runs a first-class program. I am excited to learn from one of the top minds in the game and work with such a well-respected staff."

"We're delighted to have Jennifer join our staff," Grentz said. "She is a champion who has done the things that we want to see our Illinois players achieve. Jennifer has tremendous personality and a passion for the game of basketball. She has great work ethic and her knowledge of the game will be make her a valuable asset, especially in working with our guards."