Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Women's Basketball Coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey today announced the hiring of Jessica Mannetti to the position of assistant coach.  Mannetti replaces Shalon Pillow, who departed Hofstra on July 1 for an assistant coaching position at the University of Kentucky.

"I am delighted to have Jessica Mannetti join our staff," commented Kilburn-Steveskey.  "I have had the privilege of following her career over the past few years and I knew she was a diamond in the rough.  Her enthusiasm, work ethic, and knowledge as it relates to the game of basketball are outstanding and she is a perfect fit for our program."

Mannetti brings extensive high school, AAU and elite-level camp experience with her to Hofstra.  A veteran of the AAU scene, Mannetti served as the head coach of the U-17 girls' team for the CT Future Stars AAU Basketball program from August, 2004 through August, 2008.  Most recently she has served as the head girls' varsity basketball coach at Green Farms Academy in Westport, CT.  In 2008-09 she led the team to a spot in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) postseason tournament for the first time in school history.  In her five seasons with Greens Farms, she developed the program from junior varsity status in 2004-05 to leading the Dragons to the playoffs in her final campaign.

Mannetti has also spent considerable time working with the Five-Star Basketball in a variety of positions since August, 1999.  In addition, she previously worked an internship with the New York Knicks in their basketball operations department and worked as event staffer for the New York Liberty.

A three-sport athlete in college, Mannetti graduated from Concordia College in Bronxville, NY in 2001 with a bachelor of science in business administration.  Mannetti played volleyball, basketball and softball at Concordia and served as the team captain for both the volleyball and basketball teams.