My Educational Athletics Philosophy at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is grounded in the belief that we are the Leaders & Best…

Athletics is one of the most visible aspects in a school's educational architecture. College and university athletic programs give student-athletes the opportunity to sharpen core skills such as communication, team work, commitment, dedication and problem-solving. The educational athletics philosophy I have espoused is one that emphasizes academics before athletics, and the development of the WHOLE student-athlete. This belief also recognizes athletic participation as a vehicle for students to learn about the world around them through friendly competition, sportsmanship, valued participation, and cooperative learning.

Coach Washington brings over twenty years of basketball experience to UM-Dearborn. Her high school, AAU, and Pro-Am experiences that comprise her basketball knowledge-base will be well utilized in the Wolves' program. As a coach, Washington has led numerous local and regional teams to AAU state and national tournaments. Her grassroots approach has allowed her to establish meaningful relationships with players, parents, and various athletics coaches and programs. Washington revels in the opportunities she has had to help a myriad of student-athletes use their basketball talents and abilities as a stepping-stone to earn athletic scholarships. She recognized that Michigan lacked sufficient exposure events for girls to showcase their athletic talents. So what did she do? She partnered with entities like Chicago Hoops Express, Adidas, Comcast, the College Assistance Planning Center, Michigan AAU Girls Basketball, the NCAA and many other organizations to create unparalleled girls' basketball showcase opportunities that linked college recruiters with Michigan student-athletes.

Coach Washington continues to credit Flint (MI) Hall of Famer, Laurie Byrd, with introducing her to the game of basketball. Byrd currently is an assistant coach in the WNBA with the Washington Mystics and an Eastern Michigan University scoring and assist record holder. "Laurie's constant professionalism, passion for the game and high standards shine like a beacon to me…She quietly inspired me to be the competitive student of the game of basketball that I am today."

Washington hails from Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she attended Willow Run High school. She is a graduate of The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She completed her Master's work at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) and seeks to complete her Doctoral work in Technology Education at Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI). Coach Washington believes in being a life-long learner of things that interest and augment one's life.

"New challenges lead to new discoveries and I am anxious to see where our UM-Dearborn adventures take us! I know that in order to reach the top, you must hold on to that which matters. Hence, to conquer the Mountain, you have to navigate and appreciate, the Rock." Coach Washington looks forward to climbing the Mountain with the 2011-2012 University of Michigan-Dearborn Wolves!

Athletic Goals & Objectives:

· Support the educational mission of the University of Michigan-Dearborn through a competitive athletics program that develops students individually and collectively.

· Foster student-athletes' understanding and development of physical fitness through preparation and repetition of physical skills and drills.

· Improve and increase leadership abilities, knowledge of the game and team spirit.

Carolyn Baker joins the University of Michigan-Dearborn Women's Basketball Coaching Staff for the 2011-2012 season as a key Assistant. Coach Baker brings strength, knowledge and a winning spirit with her more than 10 years of coaching experience in AAU and High School girl's basketball. Coach Baker will impart inventive skill training, mentoring and relentless scouting and recruiting efforts to the Women's Basketball program.

In 2010-2011, Carolyn, as an assistant coach, helped lead the Inkster High School Girl's Basketball team to a Class A State Championship. She also provided invaluable strategy for practice, scouting and game management. During her high school and AAU coaching career, Carolyn has helped develop numerous NCAA Division I student-athletes, including former U of M (Ann Arbor) guard/forward, Ashley Jones (Southfield, MI) who now plays internationally in Luxembourg, as well as current Baylor University starter, Destiny Williams (Benton Harbor, MI).

Coach Baker played collegiately at Chicago State University, and locally at Detroit Pershing High School. Carolyn will use her networking and recruiting abilities to connect to women's basketball prospects throughout the Metro Detroit area, Southeast Michigan and the Midwest region.

Entering her first season as Assistant Coach at UM-Dearborn, Baker brings championship guidance, leadership, and a competitive drive. She will work closely with the guards this year, imparting a competitive and challenging regimen that will help prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season.

"Carolyn has an impressive eye for the game of basketball. She is an effective teacher and touts an impressive basketball resumé. As the team transitions this year, Carolyn will play a significant role in shaping the new, competitive identity of UM-Dearborn Women's Basketball. Her compassion for nurturing athletes and her ability to diagnose game situations makes her a 'game-changing' coach." - Coach Sheri Washington

Janetta Johnson has been hired as an Assistant Coach responsible for developing interior / post play for the University of Michigan-Dearborn Women's Basketball program. She brings a wealth of experience to the UM-D coaching staff for the 2011-2012 season. Coach Johnson brings mental toughness, Big Ten Conference and professional playing experience, as well as a business approach to basketball.

Coach Johnson hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and played locally at Huron High School. Janetta holds the University of Wisconsin (Madison) Women's Basketball team record in single season shot blocks (130). She became the first player, men or women, to lead the nation in single season shot blocks. Her accomplishments as a Wisconsin Badger garnered her team honors as MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rebound leader and recognition by USA Today. She currently ranks 3^rd in the Big Ten and 25^th in the nation in single season shot blocks.

Coach Johnson coached Freshman, JV, and Varsity boys' basketball at Willow Run High School (Ypsilanti, MI). She also coached boys' AAU 7^th and 8^th grades with FIST AAU Organization, winning several state titles and representing Michigan in national tournaments. Additionally, Janetta has coached professionally in Portugal for Clube Amigos Do Basquete Jr. She also has worked basketball camps for the University of Wisconsin and Kaskaskia College.

While this is Johnson's first season as an Assistant Coach at UM-Dearborn, she will be counted on to develop skilled post play and a revered defensive presence for the 2011-2012 Wolves. She will help mentor players and be responsible for the team's internal academic auditing.

"Janetta's endearing spirit lends itself to her towering presence and professionalism. It is a blessing to be able to work with her and have her share her basketball breadth and depth with our team. She's humble, tough, and not afraid of facing challenges head on…Janetta loves the game of basketball and we are excited to have her at UM-Dearborn." - Coach Sheri Washington

Fred H. Jones joins the University of Michigan-Dearborn Women's Basketball family as an Assistant Coach responsible for strength and conditioning. Fred brings over twenty-five years (25) of experience to the program. He has designed, specifically for UM-Dearborn, a unique Women's Basketball Bootcamp. The strength and conditioning series will introduce our student-athletes to high-impact, intense workouts that will target muscle development, strength and agility, healthy eating and athletic weight maintenance.

Fred spent several years in professional boxing in Detroit, MI. He developed a physical regimen that he would cultivate, teach and train for years to come. Coach Jones made his mark as an effective personal fitness trainer. He continues to help professional, semi-pro, collegiate, and high school athletes maximize their training, ultimately gaining competitive advantage in their respective sports and athletic endeavors. Fred eventually spawned a fitness training movement through the advent of Kingdom Fitness Training.

Coach Jones is a native Detroiter who has worked in corrections and security, Wayne County government, the City of Detroit and the Detroit Lions. Jones is an avid fisherman and outdoor sportsman. His creative and innovative workouts, attention to detail and knowledge of the human body and physiology allows him to care for student-athletes as well as teach them techniques that will help prevent as well as nurture injuries.

As a first-year Assistant, Coach Jones will be relied upon to help transform the team physically and mentally. He will help change the dimension of the team to reflect a smarter, quicker, more athletically responsive UM-Dearborn Women's Basketball team.

"Fred, without a doubt, is one of the most effective strength and conditioning coaches I have ever worked with. He is a results-oriented coach, who takes the time to get to know each athlete, and tailors a training plan specifically for the athlete's sport and goals. The team has grown stronger since it began working with Coach Jones. I can't wait for the Wolves to reap the benefits from the Women's Basketball Bootcamp training." - Coach Sheri Washington