Aug. 2, 2007
DAYTON, Ohio - Over the summer, the University of Dayton women's basketball team has added two assistant coaches - Lesley Dickinson and Kyle Rechlicz. While the duo is getting their start at UD, the Flyer Faithful can learn more about each of them in a pair interviews on www.DaytonFlyers.com.
Dickinson just completed a stellar career for James Madison. The 5-10 guard was a three-time All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) selection for the Dukes. The 2006-07 CAA Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year was awarded a NCAA Women's Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics. She was also named to the ESPN The Magazine All-District Second Team twice and was an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar three times. The three-time Dean's List member was selected to Nike's "So You Want to Be a Coach" program following her playing career.
Dickinson was the second fastest player in school history to reach 1,000 career points. She reached the milestone in just 68 career games and finished second on the JMU scoring list with 1,616 career points. Dickinson averaged 10.8 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game and 2.1 assists per game while playing 30.6 minutes per contest in her final collegiate season.
Dickinson excelled at the free throw line throughout her career and finished with a James Madison record 457 makes from the charity stripe - 60 more than the next closest player. Dickinson started her career by being named the 2003-04 CAA Rookie of the Year after breaking JMU freshman records for games started, double-figure scoring games, points, field goals made and attempted, free throws made and attempted and minutes played.
Tell us little bit about how you got here? What were you doing before coming to Dayton?
For the past four years I had been a student-athlete at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. After graduation in May, I was back at JMU working camp and my coach (Kenny Brooks) got a call from Coach Jabir about an opening he had on his staff. Coach Brooks told Coach Jabir about me and we spoke a few times on the phone before I came out for my interview. Coach Jabir also knew my old high school coach (Jill Cook) very well so he called and asked her about me too. Based on our conversations, what they said about me, and how well the interview went he offered me the job on the spot!!
What did you know about Flyer basketball before you came to Dayton?
I didn't know a whole lot about Flyer basketball before I spoke to Coach Jabir. I knew they were in the Atlantic 10 and I knew about the strength of the conference because we'd played against some A-10 schools at JMU. After speaking with Coach and hearing what he had to say about the program I immediately did some research and was EXTREMELY impressed by what I saw on the website. Then when I came on my interview I was blown away by the facilities and dedication to improving women's basketball.
Why UD? What interests you most about this new job?
Like I said, the facilities and commitment to winning impressed me a lot. Also, everyone that I spoke to about Coach Jabir said he was a really good guy and an excellent coach. I also felt like this would be a great launching pad for my career. I knew I'd be able to learn a lot from Coach Jabir, Susan and Kyle. Also I was glad that they would give me the opportunity to contribute my knowledge. I feel that we have all the tools here to turn this into a nationally recognized program.
What are you most looking forward heading into next season?
I'm most looking forward to just getting on the court with the girls, teaching them and watching them grow. There were five of us in my senior class at JMU and there are six seniors here so I'm looking forward to helping them go out with a bang. I think the girls realize this can be a special year and are willing to work extremely hard and do whatever the coaching staff asks of them. I'm also looking forward to our trip to San Diego :-)
What are your interests off the court? How do you like to spend your free time?
Off the court I'm pretty laid back and just like to relax. Lately I've been spending most of my time buying stuff for my new apartment and getting situated in there. I like to sleep, watch TV and go to the movies. I'll read every once in a while if I have a good book and exercise too.
What has been your biggest achievement in basketball? Overall?
I have a few basketball achievements that I'm very proud of. One of course is earning a Division I scholarship. During my career I earned some nice awards as well. I was named CAA Rookie of the Year my freshman year and broke a few scoring records. I'm currently the second leading scorer in JMU history. My senior year, we went to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 10 years which was an amazing feeling. People always talk about how big time the tournament is, but you can't really appreciate it unless you've actually been there. Overall I'd say something I'm really proud of was how good of a student I was because I know that means a lot to my parents. Last but not least, getting this job right out of college is a huge deal to me and my family.
What is your favorite place to go recruiting? Why?
I've only been a couple of places recruiting, but I think eventually my favorite place to recruit will be New York since that's where my family is. Since I won't get to go home a whole bunch during the year it'll be nice to steal those extra chances to hang out with them.
What is your favorite...
Book: Love Frustration, 24 Hour Hold, 19 Minutes, and a bunch more.
Movie: Zebrahead, Higher Learning, The Prestige and a whole lot more.
Food: Seafood, Pasta, and Chicken
Pizza Topping: Sausage or Pepperoni
Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler and Sanaa Lathan
Athlete: Tamika Catchings
Athletics Team: Dayton Flyers!!
Pregame Ritual: Take a nap
