New Illinois State University assistant basketball coach Jenny DeSmet shares some common experiences with her boss, Redbird head coach Robin Pingeton.
DeSmet starred in both basketball and softball at St. Ambrose University ... just like Pingeton. The 23-year-old native of Moline, Ill., was an NAIA All-American in both basketball and softball ... just like Pingeton.
But DeSmet has taken her own path in establishing her career in coaching and athletics administration ... one which has led her to join her former college basketball coachs newly-formed staff at Illinois State.
There is nobody better in basketball to work for than Coach Pingeton, said DeSmet. Im excited about the opportunity here. Ive met with our players and I am impressed with how hard they are working. Everyone seems to be on the same page about doing what it takes to win.
Pingeton appreciates what DeSmet brings to her staff.
One of the most important qualities I was looking for in building my staff was loyalty and Jenny certainly fits in that mold, said Pingeton. She is what Illinois State basketball is all about: great character, outstanding work habits and a commitment to everything surrounding this program.
DeSmet was the leading rebounder on Pingetons final team at St. Ambrose in 1998-99. That team finished 30-7 and reached the elite eight of the NAIA Tournament. DeSmet was an all-around player at St. Ambrose--a top rebounder who had three-point shooting range and was among the team leaders in steals as well. She also was a starting outfielder on the softball team.
She began her coaching career in 2001 at Bettendorf High School as the freshman girls coach and also served on the staff of the womens basketball program at Marycrest International University in Davenport. DeSmet was the facilities coordinator for athletics in 2002 at Marycrest International before joining Gene Steinmeyers womens basketball staff at Northwest Missouri State. DeSmets scouting and film preparation work helped the Bearcats to a 16-12 record--their first winning season in five years.
The 1997 graduate of Rock Islands Alleman High School was a three-sport athlete (basketball, softball and volleyball) and an all-tournament centerfielder as a freshman on Allemans 1994 IHSA Class A State Championship softball team. She has been active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a two-time academic all-conference selection at St. Ambrose.
DeSmet joins former Davenport Assumption High School boys basketball coach Randy Norton on the staff of Pingeton, who was associate head coach at Iowa State before becoming Illinois States head coach April 8.
DeSmet Profile
Coaching Experience: Assistant Coach, Illinois State University basketball team, (2003-present). Graduate Assistant, Northwest Missouri State University basketball team (2002-03). Assistant Coach, Marycrest International University basketball team (2001-02). Freshman Coach, Bettendorf High School (IA) girls basketball team (2000-01). Camp Instructor and Official at Iowa State, Michigan State, St. Ambrose universities (1999-2002).
Athlete Experience: Four-year basketball letterwinner, St. Ambrose University (1997-2001). Three-year softball letterwinner, St. Ambrose University (1999-01). Led basketball team in rebounding in 1999-2000.
Honors, Awards, Championships
2001 NAIA Basketball All-American
2001 NAIA Softball All-American
2001 Academic All-Conference basketball team.
1999 Academic All-Conference basketball team.
Personal: Daughter of Dennis and Cheryl DeSmet, with brother Mike and sisters Mary Ann and Kate ... B.S. History and Secondary Education, St. Ambrose University (2001) ... M.S. Ed., Athletics Administration (anticipated in 2003) ... born Sept. 10, 1979 in Rock Island.
