| Christy Thomaskutty led Emory to 187 wins over 14 seasons, including a conference title in 2012-13. Emory athletics file photo |
Emory University announced that head women's basketball coach Christy Thomaskutty is stepping down from her position immediately for health reasons. Misha Jackson, who played and coached under Thomaskutty, will serve as the Eagles' interim head coach for this season.
- More late coaching changes: UW-La Crosse | UW-Superior | St. John Fisher
- More moves in Coaching Carousel
“First off, I want to let everybody know that I’m fine and doing well,” Thomaskutty said in the University's release. “But, I am coming out on the other end of some health issues that have left me without the energy needed to coach these young women at the level which they deserve.
“I will always treasure my time at Emory and sincerely appreciate all the dedicated players, coaches and support staff who I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Emory is an amazing school with outstanding students, and I can say that I’ve been blessed to have had the chance to coach and work here.”
Thomaskutty took over as Emory's head coach in 2003 and went 187-166 over her 14-year tenure. Emory's best season under Thomaskutty came in 2012-13 when the Eagles won their first UAA title, set a program record for victories (24) and advanced to the NCAA Tournament sectional semifinals. Thomaskutty was named the 2013 South Region Coach of the Year. In July Thomaskutty was selected Vice President of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
Emory also announced that Misha Jackson, who played on the Eagles' 2013 conference championship team, will be the interim head coach for the upcoming season. Jackson played three seasons at Emory and then joined Thomaskutty's staff. Jackson was named to the WBCA's Thirty Under 30 list in March 2016.
“I can’t think of a more deserving person than Misha to take over the coaching duties and to represent Emory University,” Thomaskutty said in the release. “She possesses knowledge well beyond her years and is the type of coach student-athletes aspire to play for."
The Eagles will open the 2017-18 season at home against Rhodes on Nov. 15.