Mars-Garrick joins CGA women's basketball coaching staf

Keyokah Mars-Garrick, a recent graduate of the University of Hartford and a former scholastic star at Wheeler High School, has been named an assistant women's basketball coach at the Coast Guard Academy.

She joins the coaching staff of another former local star, first-year head coach Alex Ivanscheck. The Bears open their 2012-13 season at home on Nov. 15 against Mitchell College.

Mars-Garrick played four season for Jennifer Rizzotti at Hartford. The Hawks won the 2011 America East tournament title and appeared in the NCAA tournament twice.

"Keyokah is going to be a terrific addition to the Coast Guard women's basketball coaching staff," Rizzotti said. "She was a true student of the game as a player here at Hartford so I am confident in that knowledge translating easily for her as she starts her coaching career.

"The young women at the Coast Guard will have a tremendous role model when Keyokah enters their lives. I have no doubt she will positively impact every person she touches in their program."

At Wheeler, whe was a two-time team MVP, an Eastern Connecticut Conference Small Division All-Star and earned Class S all-state honors as a senior.

"I am so grateful that I get to have my passion as my job, waking up everyday being able to do what I love feels amazing," Mars-Garrick said in a statement released by CGA. "I am so excited to finally use what I have learned as a player in a bigger way and hopefully teach these players everything that I have been fortunate enough to learn at Hartford. I'm anxious to start and build a great program and career here working with Alex."

Mars-Garrick spent August in Africa where she worked with young players in Sierra Leone. She is a Native American from the Narragansett Tribe, who enjoys teaching her heritage to elementary school children.

"I am happy that Keyokah has joined the CGA basketball program," Ivansheck said. "With her background, I believe she will be a tremendous asset, particularly with player development and with recruiting.

"Keyokah is a positive role model for our cadet-athletes and I am looking forward to working with her."

- Day Staff Reports