Building Trojans, One player at a time By: Nitya Mahtani,

Before every successful basketball game, there is a special coaching staff that shapes the players to be the best versions of themselves on and off the court. At University of Southern Californias women's basketball, assistant coaches Courtney Jaco, Nikki Blue, and Willnett Crockett are doing exactly that. They develop talent, mentor players, and are building one of the most exciting programs in college basketball. Though each coach arrived to basketball in their own ways, each of their journeys helps reveal that a shared passion and deep commitment to something can help bring success to the next generation of athletes. 

For assistant coach Courtney Jaco, basketball has been her rock since she was a child. Starting to play from six years old, instead of it being just a hobby, she made it her passion. She made it apart of who she was. Her basketball journey eventually brought her to be a USC trojan. She emerged into full experience as a player. However, USC was late in the game to recruit her, but when the offer arrived, for Jaco it was a no brainer, she explained. The chance to play Infront of family was what made USC feel like home. Her personal connection and influence make her the coach that she is today.

Now, working primarily with guards, Jaco brings a perspective that only a few coaches succeed at doing. Bonding on a deeper level. Jaco experienced the exact path that her players are on. She understands the pressure of balancing performance, expectations, and personal growth at a high level. That experience helps her connect with her players on the deepest level; not just as athletes, but as people. Jaco says her focus now is becoming an even better coach and recruiter. Her ability to relate to players gives her a unique advantage over other coaches, allowing her to build trust and create meaningful relationships within the program.

For assistant coach Nikki Blue, basketball has always been the plan.

She knew that from a young age basketball was what she wanted to pursue. Her love for the game was partly shaped by family, especially through the time spent watching basketball with her stepfather. Together they watched the Los Angeles Lakers on television; those memories strengthened her love for sport. That passion eventually turned into a major college decision. Blue’s final two college decisions eventually came down to the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins or the University of Connecticut. Both two powerhouses with different programs.

In hindsight, Blue jokes about maybe she ‘should have gone to UConn’, but at the time she chose a different path. She chose UCLA because she wanted a challenge. Rather than joining an already established powerhouse, Blue embraced the opportunity to help rebuild a program and elevate basketball in her home city. That reflection defines her mindset today: competitiveness, fearlessness, and motivation through growth.

Now also coaching guards at USC, Blue brings a sense of toughness, leadership and understanding to the team. She knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and uses that experience to push players to improve more. Her journey shows that sometimes the harder roads are the most meaningful ones.  

Willnett Crockett brings another perspective to the USCs coaching staff. Working with forwards and centers, Crockett feels her philosophy is rooted in service and giving back. More than anything, she felt coaching was a way to help others be the best versions of themselves. “I wanted to be of service,” Crockett claims. This mindset shapes her coaching style. 

Before entering coaching, Crockett had an impressive career. She was selected in the 2006 WNBA selection round 2 and the 22^nd pick for the Los Angeles Sparks. But her love for basketball began much earlier. She started playing at age 11, and the connection she felt was immediate. Her love for the game came right away. 

When it came to choosing a college, Crockett had a buffet of college waiting for her. University of California, Los Angeles; University of Connecticut; Rutgers University to say the least. Ultimately, she chose UConn. She wanted a different experience, and during her visit, she felt something special, something pulling her towards the school. The school had just won a national championship, and the culture stood out to her immediately. That winning environment helped shape her basketball philosophy and continues to influence the way she develops USC’s players today. 

Team chemistry is what truly matters. Together, the assistant coaches curated a plan to engage each athlete. They tried to set up “filthy Friday.” Filthy Friday allows the team to play and try out different conditioning areas to encourage fun. One week they go to Santa Monica, next week they will go to Hot Yoga. Engaging the team is crucial in steps to being a successful team, which USC is a large contender for.

Together Jaco, Blue and Crockett bring a powerful combination of perspective and leadership to USC’s basketball team. What makes the coaching staff special isn't just their resumes, its their ability to connect with each and every player. They understand what players need as they have each been there themselves. At USC they are doing more than just coaching basketball. They are shaping leaders and athletes on and off the court.