SAN JOSE, Calif. - Chris Straker has been named San José State assistant women's basketball coach, announced by April Phillips on Wednesday. Straker has nearly 20 years of coaching experience, including winning three national titles as a head coach and has experience on the international levels.
"I am super excited to welcome Chris to our staff," said Phillips. "His heart for the game and developing young women align with my mission and goals for San Jose State women's basketball. Chris is self motivated, hard working, innovative and believes in doing things the right way; with people and for people. Chris will be great for our young ladies, and our SJSU community. I am extremely thrilled to welcome Chris back to the Mountain West conference and to the great state of California."
Prior to joining San José State, Straker spent the last three seasons at Georgia Southern as an assistant coach. He was responsible for scheduling and scouting, while also designing and implementing offensive strategy. The Eagles were top five in the country in scoring offense under his direction and No. 1 in the Sun Belt Conference. Straker served as interim head coach due to Covid-19 protocols and led Georgia Southern to the largest victory in conference play over Appalachian State, 87-56, becoming the first Kenyan born head coach to win an NCAA game.
"I am humbled and grateful for the incredible opportunity to join Coach Phillips and the excellent staff she has assembled at San Jose State," said Straker. "Coach AP is someone who I have huge respect for and it's an honor and a privilege to be invited to join her on this journey. I love Coach Phillips' vision for the program and I believe in the mission. I'm looking forward to returning to California and the Mountain West Conference, and most of all, connecting with our young women and helping them grow as humans, students and athletes. I am excited by the captivating challenge of building something special with amazing humans at SJSU and I am eternally thankful to Coach AP for the chance to be a part of it!"
Straker has previous coaching stints at Columbus State University (2018-19), San Diego State University (2012-17), and also spent time coaching in the United Kingdom at Leeds Beckett University (2010-11) and the Manchester Mystics (2007-10). He won a British Universities National Championship at Leeds Beckett after posting a 26-12 overall record.
What they are saying about Coach Straker ...
Anita Howard, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Georgia Southern University
"Coach Straker is a true gem for women's basketball! He is a student of the game and will be a huge asset for April along her coaching journey. He is more than a coach and genuinely cares about the success of each student-athlete. San José State got an amazing coach, but more importantly an even greater person!"
Ciara Carl, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, University of North Texas
"I could not be happier for Coach Straker with his new position at San José State! Chris is a true servant leader and passionate about impacting young women through the game of basketball. Through his journey, he has gained experience at the Division II level, Division I level, and professional level overseas. Chris will bring a wealth of knowledge, fierce work ethic and love for the game to the Spartans' program. Coach Phillips has a great one in Chris and I'm so excited to watch them build this program!"
Adam Gordon, CEO Rising Coaches
"Coach Straker will be a tremendous asset to the Spartans. He has coached at different levels from pro basketball to small college to Mid-Major. Chris is great with X's and O's but more importantly his ability to connect with and develop student-athletes on and off the floor is second to none. This is a great hire for San Jose State!"
Theo Howard, Head Women's Basketball Coach, East Georgia State College
"Coach Straker is an amazing hire for Coach Phillips and San José State. Chris has a brilliant mind that played a major role in helping orchestrate an offense for Georgia Southern that was ranked as high as third in the nation for 'pace of play'. He is a tireless worker and strategist who understands the value of analytics and when to use them. Congrats! Your program is in great hands."
Anthony Crocitto, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Saint Leo University
"What a wonderful addition Coach Straker is to the San Jose Staté staff and University. I have witnessed immeasurable growth from this coach over the past several years. He is multi-talented and will bring a lot to Coach Phillips staff. Chris is hardworking, super loyal, sincere and all that is great for women's basketball."
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