Saturday, June 9, 2018

Chowan Hawks Jones Adds Two Assistants, Walker and Roberts

Walker_Roberts_WBBMURFREESBORO, North Carolina – The Chowan Women's Basketball program and head coach LaToya Jones announced the addition of two assistants to the staff: Johnette Walker and Chantel Roberts.

"Johnette is a person of high character, energy, and has a passion for coaching and mentoring young women," stated Coach Jones. "She is a strong recruiter, communicator, and a positive presence to be around. Her professional playing experience and success will greatly benefit the direction of the program as a whole. She is a tireless worker and I am excited for her to be a part of the Hawk Family!"

Johnette Walker comes to Chowan after spending two seasons at Division I USC Upstate in Spartanburg, S.C. At Upstate, Walker helped the team improve their winning percentage and increased their Atlantic Sun Conference win total.

"I am humbled and blessed for the opportunity to be a part of an amazing program and University," commented Walker. "I am beyond grateful to Coach (LaToya) Jones for the chance to learn and grow from a great coach but an even better person. Coach Jones' vision, drive and work ethic excites me and motivates me to be better each and every day."

Prior to Upstate, Walker spent a season at Francis Marion as an assistant coach. During her lone season with the Patriots, Walker helped the team to a 24-9 overall record, an NCAA Division II Southeast Regional title and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Walker played six seasons professionally overseas in Germany. There, she averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest in five of the six seasons.

Walker played collegiate basketball at Division I Radford under former coach Jeri Porter (now head coach at Francis Marion). Walker sits sixth all-time in Highlander history in scoring with 1,238 points and single-season career leader in Big South Conference history with 348 steals. Walker was named Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year during her senior season. She was named Big South All-Conference as well as named to the All-Academic Team twice.

Walker is one of four players in Big South history to produce 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals in her career.

In addition to Walker, Chantel Roberts returns to her alma mater after her career with the Blue & White. Roberts was selected to the WBCA 'So You Think You Want To Be A Coach' program during the 2017-18 season.

"I am excited to welcome Chantel Roberts back to the program in the role of Assistant Coach," harped Coach Jones. "Chantel has a passion for coaching and has been very influential in the community and on campus. Chantel understands the level of commitment desired under my leadership to continue the forward movement of the Women's Basketball Program. Chantel's work ethic is undeniable and will benefit her as she grows in this profession. She has served in leadership roles as an athlete and student here at Chowan, and in those various roles she has gained a great deal of knowledge and experience. Her love for mentoring, and being a role model for the younger generation is an invaluable character trait. I am blessed to have her a part of my staff."

Roberts finished her career with Chowan strong being named to the All-CIAA team after recording a program best 16.0 points per game and averaged a double-double in CIAA contests. Roberts posted 921 career points, 563 rebounds, and 135 made three-pointers, which ranks in the top-five in program history in a career.

"It is a blessing to be granted the opportunity to coach at my alma mater," remarked Roberts. "I'm excited to be reunited with my Chowan family doing what I love most. I look forward to the transition of my leadership role this year and hope to inspire the ladies as Coach (LaToya) Jones and all of my past coaches here have inspired me."

Off the court, Roberts was named to the 2017-18 CoSIDA Academic All-District Team, as well as, a member of Alpha Chi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Beta Beta Beta, and Chi Alpha Sigma honors societies. The 2018 graduate was awarded the Chowan University Outstanding Student Award, formerly Who's Who.

CHOWAN UNIVERSITY HAWKS SPORTS INFORMATION

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