Women's Basketball
- Title:
- Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator
- Email:
- kaitlynn.pacholke@usm.edu
Pacholke's guidance of the Lady Eagles' guard play helped to produce Domonique Davis' second First-Team All-Conference Award. She also closely mentored Lady Eagle newcomers Lani Cornfield and Jacorriah Bracey, allowing the duo to enjoy career seasons in supporting roles for the Lady Eagles' 2022-23 season. Southern Miss enjoyed its best season since 2016-17, finished 21-10 and 13-5 in Sun Belt Conference play to earn a share of the regular season title. In her role as recruiting coordinator, Pacholke landed two top prospects for the 2023-24 squad.
Pacholke's first season saw the Lady Eagles finished with their best win percentage since the 2016-17 season, as the team finished 18-12 on the year, reaching the Conference USA tournament quarterfinals. Transfer Domonique Davis took home Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors and First-Team All-Conference, while Melyia Grayson took home Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.
Pacholke joined McNelis's staff in 2021 as an Assistant Coach after spending the past four years as an assistant at the University of Evansville. She will also serve as the team's Recruiting Coordinator. Pacholke comes from a coaching background, as she played all four years for her mother, Laurie, at Land O' Lakes High School and Freedom High School in Florida. She ended her career at Freedom HS as the school's all-time steals and assist leader en route to a McDonald's All-American nomination.
A graduate of Newberry College in South Carolina, Pacholke brings championship experience to the Hub City capturing a South Atlantic Conference championship in her senior season with the Wolves. The Tampa, Fla. native began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida, where she served in a multitude of roles.
"We are excited to add Coach Kaitlynn Pacholke," McNelis added. "KP gained a lot of knowledge about the game from her mother and from Point Guard College, which is consider one of the best camps in the country in the development of players. She is a bundle of energy, and her enthusiasm and passion for our team has shown through our workouts. Kaitlynn brings experience in coaching, recruiting and developing point guards. She is known for her relentless work ethic and developing relationships with people, especially with the players. We are delighted to have her as a part of the Lady Eagle Family."
