Central, SC – Jakira Coar, from Jersey City, N.J., has signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Southern Wesleyan University (SWU). Coar, a 5-7 guard, comes to the Warriors from Essex County College.
"We have loved getting to know Jakira through the recruiting process over the last two years," commented SWU head women's basketball coach John Davis. "She has such a sweet spirit to her and we are excited to have her join our family. We want to do all we can to give Jakira an opportunity to grow in her faith and to use basketball as a ministry."
Over her time at Essex, Coar averaged 26 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.5 assists per game. She shot 40.7% from the field and 34% from 3-point range, while shooting 79.2% from the free throw line. During her freshman campaign, she led NJCAA Division II in scoring at 26.2 points per game and was named 3rd Team All-American, Garden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was named to the NJCAA Region 19 1st Team. She eclipsed the 30-point mark nine times during her career.
"Choosing Southern Wesleyan University has been a decision that I have been thinking about for a long time," stated Coar. "I didn't make this choice overnight. After taking time to reflect on my future and what I truly need, I believe SWU is the best place for me to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For years, I have wanted the opportunity to go away for school. Reaching this point has taken a lot of hard work, patience, and determination and I feel like this is the opportunity I've been working toward. I know that stepping outside of my comfort zone is necessary for me to become the person I want to be. I want to grow and mature in ways that I know I can't if I stay where I am. I believe a new environment will allow me to focus on my education, build stronger relationships, become more independent and strengthen my faith."
