Hayes, Mitchell Leaving Basketball Program

DENTON, Texas - Johnetta Hayes and Jalie Mitchell, assistant coaches for the women's basketball team for the past two years, have been hired as assistant coaches at UNC-Wilmington. The pair will join new head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke at UNC-Wilmingt

DENTON, Texas - Johnetta Hayes and Jalie Mitchell, assistant coaches for the women's basketball team for the past two years, have been hired as assistant coaches at UNC-Wilmington. The pair will join new head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke at UNC-Wilmington.

"When you hire good people and they do a good job for you it's hard for others not to notice, as was the case with coaches Hayes and Mitchell," said head coach Shanice Stephens. "They received offers they felt allowed them to grow in a new direction and in a different part of the country. Although some may look for suspicions in their move, there are none. Coach Hayes and Mitchell helped us begin to establish this program and for that I will always be grateful and will always care for them in a special way. The search for their replacements has begun and we are on track for a breakout season."

Hayes spent two seasons with the Mean Green and worked with the low post players and helped in the development of Jasmine Godbolt, the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year.

Mitchell was with the Mean Green for two seasons as an assistant coach but was one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the women's basketball program. She is a member of the North Texas Athletic Hall of Fame and remains the program's all-time leading scorer.