Former LSU player comes to USF from Loyola-Chicago
TAMPA, JUNE 6, 2023 – University of South Florida head women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez has named Sheila Boykin to the role of assistant coach on the Bulls’ staff.
A former standout player at LSU, Boykin comes to USF after spending a season as an assistant coach at Loyola University Chicago (2022-23) and two seasons as an assistant at California State University, Northridge (2020-22).
“I’m very excited to welcome Sheila to the University of South Florida and our staff,” Fernandez said. “She is a very bright young coach who will be tremendous teaching and relating to our players. Her experience playing at a high level collegiately and professionally, and her passion for our game and the student-athletes in it make her a terrific addition to our staff and a strong mentor for our players.”
During her time at California State, Northridge (CSUN), Boykin served as the Matadors’ recruiting coordinator alongside her assistant coaching duties and coached a trio of All-Big West Conference honorees. That group included All-Big West Second Team honoree Tess Amundsen and Big West All-Freshman Team selection Kayanna Spriggs.
Prior to her arrival in Northridge, Calif., Boykin broke into the college coaching ranks at San Diego State University (2018-20) where she spent two seasons as a graduate assistant. While with the Aztecs, Boykins oversaw opponent practice coverage and coordinated alumni relations and parent outreach. She also served as the team’s liaison for academics and helped facilitate summer camps.
One of the nation’s top high school recruits in 2011, Boykin appeared in 113 games during her playing career at LSU. The 2014 recipient of the Eye of the Tiger Award, which is presented annually to an LSU student-athlete who overcomes adversity in their life to succeed both in the classroom and in competition, Boykin averaged 5.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists as a senior.
After graduating from LSU in 2015 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, Boykin played professionally in both Greece and Turkey. She earned a master’s degree in homeland security from San Diego State University while serving on the coaching staff there.
About USF Women’s Basketball
South Florida women’s basketball recorded its 11th 20-win season during the 2022-23 campaign. USF has made 18 postseason tournament appearances and had nine NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez’s 23 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided USF to 11 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2009 WNIT championship, has won over 400 career games and is the all-time wins leader in the American Athletic Conference.
In 2022-23, the Bulls had four players recognized by The American for impressive seasons, including Elena Tsineke (AAC Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team), Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (AAC Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team), Sammie Puisis (AAC Newcomer of the Year, All-Conference Second Team) and Carla Brito (AAC All-Freshman Team).
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