Women's Basketball 6/21/2019 2:16:00 PM Nicholas Huenefeld (@niklaustradamus)

Pierce elevated to assistant coach with @FGCU_WBB program

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Mandi Pierce, who has spent the past three seasons as the director of operations for the FGCU women's basketball program, has been elevated to an assistant coaching position.

"Mandi has done a great job for our program, and I am happy to see her earn the opportunity to become an assistant coach," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "I know she will work hard."

Pierce joins a coaching staff that has seen several changes this offseason with the departures of Chelsea Banbury and Jenna Cobb, the promotion of Chelsea Lyles to associate head coach and the hiring of Shannon Murphy as an assistant coach.

The promotion also continues a tradition of Smesko having a coaching staff comprised of all former players of his at FGCU. Pierce, who was born in the Philippines, competed for the Green and Blue from 2006-08. As a senior, she averaged 7.2 points per contest and helped lead the Eagles to a 22-9 record in the program's inaugural Division I season. The team then advanced to the WNIT for the first time in program history and toppled South Florida in the opening round. The year prior, she averaged 4.8 points for a team that finished 34-1 and concluded the season as the NCAA Division II national runner-up.

"I am so grateful to Coach Smesko for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to continue to learn from him," Pierce said. "FGCU is a special place to me, and I am so appreciative to have the chance to advance my career here. I'm excited to now contribute on the floor and work under one of the best coaches in the country."

Pierce, who came to FGCU following a two-year stint at St. Bonaventure, earned a bachelor's degree in resort and hospitality management from FGCU in 2008. She is a native of Altoona, Pa., where she scored 1,094 career points and finished her career as Altoona High School's second all-time leading scorer.

BASKETBALL SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
FGCU basketball encourages fans to become a season ticket holder by getting on the Season Ticket Priority List*. Join by contacting an FGCU Ticket Office representative at 239-590-7145 or by visiting Alico Arena Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join The 2019-20 Season Ticket Priority List

*The Season Ticket Priority List will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited availability, Priority Level 1 and 2 cannot be guaranteed for new purchasers. Seating location availability for new ticket packages will depend on renewals and upgrades of current season ticket holders. Eagles Club membership may be required for certain seats, with giving levels utilized for access to better locations.

Season-ticket renewals began on May 20, and the renewal deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28. Tickets may be renewed by filling out the form below. Renew early and maximize your chance to win the weekly drawings for prizes. Season ticket holders who renew their seats and refer new purchasers will also be eligible for account credits. Season tickets may also be renewed by phone at 239-590-7145 or in person at Alico Arena Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Season Ticket Renewal Form

FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the women's basketball program, follow @FGCU_WBB on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook at /FGCUWBB.

SUPPORT THE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Do you enjoy watching or following the FGCU women's basketball program? Would you like to play a role in the growth of the program and help take it to heights never before experienced? If so, you can reach out to Director of Advancement, Matt Ring, about opportunities to make an impact on the experiences of our student-athletes. He can be reached by email at mring@fgcu.edu or by office phone at 239-745-4434.

#FEEDFGCU
FGCU Athletics sponsors events in November and April to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.

ABOUT FGCU
FGCU teams have combined to win an incredible 78 conference regular season and tournament titles in just 11+ seasons at the Division-I level. Additionally, in just eight seasons of D-I postseason eligibility, the Eagles have had a combined 36 teams or individuals compete in NCAA championships. Seven FGCU programs have earned a top-25 national ranking in their respective sport – including both men's and women's soccer again in 2018. In 2016-17, the Green and Blue posted a department-best 6th-place finish in the DI-AAA Learfield Directors' Cup and top-100 showing nationally, ahead of several Power-5 and FBS institutions. FGCU also collectively earned a record 3.35 GPA in the classroom in the Spring 2018 semester and had an ASUN and state of Florida best five teams earn the NCAA's Public Recognition Award for their Academic Progress Rate in their sport. The Eagles also served an all-time high 7,200 volunteer hours – being recognized as one of two runners-up for the inaugural NACDA Community Service Award presented by the Fiesta Bowl.

--FGCUATHLETICS.COM--

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