First assistant Ali Jaques joined the Furman staff in the summer of 2002 following three seasons at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., where she was the first assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. While at Sacred Heart, Jaques was a part of the team's first season as an NCAA Division I program (1999-00) and helped the team post a 48-40 record over the course of her three year tenure. Jaques' responsibilities at Sacred Heart included overseeing the recruiting process, scouting opponents and developing game strategies, scheduling, overseeing academic progress, organizing travel, and fundraising. During her tenure, the Pioneers finished third twice and second once in the Northeast Conference, and in 2001-02 compiled an 18-11 record. Jaques' coaching career began at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., following a four-year career as a player at New York University. While at Rider, Jaques was responsible for film exchange, organizing a trip to Spain, monitoring student-athletes' academic progress, and on-the-court coaching. At NYU, the Rosemont, N.J., native was a four-year letterwinner who helped her team to four appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament, including a National Championship in 1997. Along the way, Jaques was honored with the Coach's Award twice and the 6th Man Award once. She was also selected as a team captain for the 1997-98 season and graduated magna cum laude with a double major in broadcast journalism and German. "Ali has a tremendous work ethic and enthusiasm for coaching and recruiting," said Dixon. "Based on her academic background, being an NYU grad, I thought she would be an outstanding fit and is someone who can truly understand the value of a Furman education and will be able to convey that to prospects, players, their parents, and the community." Now in her third year at Furman, Jaques has been a part of 34 Lady Paladin victories and the team's second place finish in the Southern Conference in 2003-04. Jaques' coaching responsibilities with the Lady Paladins include recruiting, team defense and working with Furman's perimeter players.