June 20, 2005

Stockton, Calif. - University of the Pacific Women's Basketball head coach Craig Jackson has announced the hiring of Karen Weitz as an assistant women's basketball coach for the 2005-06 season.

Weitz comes to Pacific after spending 10 seasons coaching women's basketball at the high school level. She spent a six year stint at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nevada that ranks as one of the most successful coaching tenures in Nevada State history. During her time at Centennial, Karen guided her Bulldogs to four consecutive Nevada 4-A State Championships (2001-2005) and an overall record of 188-11. In addition, Weitz garnered Nevada 4-A State Coach of the Year recognition four times from 2001-2004.

Before taking over the reigns at Centennial, Weitz led Cheyenne High School to a 79-27 overall record in four seasons (1995-1999) and a division championship in 1998.

As a student-athlete herself at both Scottsdale Community College and later the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Karen holds a national championship and the Big West conference record for the javelin throw. She was a First Team All-American in Track and Field in 1988.

"We are extremely pleased to have someone with Coach Weitz's professionalism, winning attitude and ability to teach join our Tiger program," said Jackson. "As one of the most successful coaches in the history of Nevada High School basketball she will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and success to the Tigers."