Former Mocs Basketball Star Jasmine Joyner Joining UTC Coaching Staff

(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — As a student-athlete Jasmine Joyner’s name is peppered throughout record books for Chattanooga, the Southern Conference and even the NCAA. Now her name will be added to head coach Shawn Poppie’s first staff for the Mocs.

“I am thrilled to bring Jas back to Chattanooga,” Poppie said of the Mocs’ former center. “She was a phenomenal player that played a big part in putting Chattanooga Women’s Basketball on the map. Her love for UTC and our women’s basketball program has never been stronger. Our program got better with the addition of Jas to our staff.”

The No. 8 all-time shot blocker in NCAA women’s basketball history returns to the Scenic City for graduate school and will join the Mocs staff as a student assistant.

Joyner kept close contact with Jon Goldberg who begins his sixth season as an assistant coach for the Mocs. After tearing her ACL while playing professionally in Nottingham, she didn’t have any specific plans for her future, not even coming back to Chattanooga.

“After keeping close connection with Coach Jon, he gave me a call about Coach Poppie extending an opportunity to me,” Joyner said. “Talking with Coach Poppie confirmed I’m exactly where I need to be. This opportunity is something I’m thankful for every day.”

Joyner played professional basketball for four years beginning with a year with Kouvottaret in Finland (2017-18), the next season with Amicale Steesel Luxembourg and finally two seasons in Nottingham. She was named to the All-Defensive Team, Player of the Week multiple times, Player of the Month and Athlete of the Year in Nottingham.

Also while with the Wildcats, Joyner teamed up with former Chattanooga teammate Chelsey Shumpert.

“Having a college teammate on my team was a blessing,” Joyner shared. “It felt like a piece of home was with me overseas. I knew someone that knew my style of play and vice-versa. It was also good to know we were representing Chatt at the same time.”

While she looks forward to returning to the familiar confines of McKenzie Arena, her home for four seasons, she also looks forward to the fans.

“Moc Nation have the best fans in the world!”

ACCOLADES

Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year

Two-time Southern Conference Tournament MVP

Three-time All-Conference selection

Three-time All-SoCon Tournament selection.