Sept. 3, 2008

Chicago, Ill. - The UIC women's basketball staff will have a different look in 2008-09 after Jacob Morgan was promoted to assistant coach and Kristin Marco was named the new director of basketball operations.

"Jacob earned the opportunity to be elevated to assistant coach after Amanda Reese's departure to take over the program at North Park College," said head coach Lisa Ryckbosch.

Morgan enters his third overall season with the Flames after spending the last two season as the director of basketball operations.

"We are excited to be able to get Jacob on the court teaching, as well as out in the trenches recruiting," said Ryckbosch. "He has a great number of local ties which should benefit our mission to recruit the very best student-athletes in the Chicagoland area."

With more than seven years of experience working in coaching and administration, Morgan brings extensive knowledge to his new role. His primary responsibilities include floor coaching, individual skill development, practice and game preparation, recruiting and team tape exchange.

Prior to joining the UIC staff, Morgan was the assistant women's basketball coach at North Central College in Naperville, Ill. He also served as the school's student-athlete leadership program director.

"Jacob has a personality that the players relate to, and that should ease his transition into the coaching role," said Ryckbosch.

Marco played basketball for the University of Akron from 2002-06. After the completion of her undergraduate career, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from Akron in 2008.

While working towards her masters, Marco served as a graduate assistant academic advisor for student-athletes.

"Kristin possesses the skills to help our program run smoothly with the added bonus of being a role model for our student-athletes," said Ryckbosch. "Her time working in academic advising has prepared her to complement our staff as we strive to challenge and support our players to be the best they can be, both on and off the court."

Marco will be responsible for all aspects of running the office and any accompanying administrative duties. She will serve as the liaison for the booster club, marketing, alumni and community service. Marco will also be the point person for the UIC women's basketball camps.

The Flames open their 2008-09 season on Saturday, Nov. 22 when they host Bradley at 7 p.m.