Former Transylvania assistant Jill Meiring named new women's basketball coach at Marietta College
Meiring becomes 11th Pioneer coach in team history

May 17, 2007
MARIETTA, Ohio — Former Denison University two-sport standout and Transylvania University assistant coach Jill Meiring has been named the new Marietta College women's basketball coach. The announcement came from Athletics Director Debbie Lazorik Thursday (May 17) afternoon.

Meiring, the 11th coach since the program began in 1974-75, replaces 23-year veteran Ted Eskildsen, who retired in April after one year at the helm of the Lady Pioneers.

"I am looking forward to joining the Marietta community," said Meiring. "After six years as an assistant coach, I am excited to assume the head coaching position. I want to thank the entire athletics department for making me feel welcome and giving me this great opportunity to join the coaching staff at Marietta College."

Meiring, who stepped in as the interim head coach during the 2005-06 season, had been the assistant basketball coach at Transylvania, in Lexington, Kentucky, since 2001. In 2006-07, she helped Transylvania finish 19-9 and make its first NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship appearance. Meiring also led the Pioneers’ field hockey since 2004.

"We are extremely pleased to have Jill join Marietta College and the athletics department," said Lazorik. "Her success as a player and coach will provide strong leadership and experience to our women's basketball program."

Meiring, who majored in psychology and sports management, graduated from Denison in 2001. She was a four-year basketball starter for the Big Red and was named team captain as a junior and senior. Meiring was also a four-year captain on the Denison softball team. She traveled to Australia with the USAthletes softball team to compete in the Arafura Games as a senior, and the U.S. team won the gold medal.

The Fort Recovery, Ohio, native is a member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and National Field Hockey Coaches Association. Meiring, who received her master's degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky in 2006, has coached extensively in Ohio summer leagues and was the director of the Transylvania Women's Basketball Camp for five years.

"I have a great passion for the game of basketball and have the will to succeed," said Meiring. "After meeting the team, I feel we have a good rapport and if we work together we can elevate Marietta basketball to the level it deserves."