Oct. 14, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – (Tuesday, October 14, 2008) – Redhawks women’s basketball coach John Ishee announced the hiring of Jayme Callahan to his coaching staff for the upcoming season. Callahan’s hiring completes the coaching staff that includes assistants Chris Harris and Elizabeth Cansdale.

"I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of a successful women's basketball program at a great University such as Southeast Missouri State," said Callahan. "I look foward to helping continue that success in the near future and would like to thank the University and Coach John Ishee for allowing me the opportunity to do this."

Callahan comes to Cape Girardeau after serving as the head women’s basketball coach at Division III Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri for two seasons. During her two seasons at the helm of the Gorloks program she led them to an overall record of 17-33 including a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record of 11-23. Last season her team went 11-14 (5-11 SLIAC) including a home record of 8-4. Her first season as head coach in 2006-07, her team finished 6-19 (6-12 SLIAC). Her team last season featured one SLIAC All-Conference selection and three SLIAC All-Academic athletes.

While at Webster University she also served as a school’s NCAA compliance coordinator. Her duties included coordinating all 13 varsity sports to comply with NCAA DIII rules, interpreting NCAA bylaws and rules and monitoring all student athletes to assure they maintain their eligibility to compete at their respective sport.

Prior to accepting the position at Webster University she spent one year as an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Missouri St. Louis where she assisted in recruiting and scouting along with her coaching responsibilities.

Callahan served as head coach at Webster University the last two seasons

From 2002-2005 she spent time as a head coach at two prep programs. She spent one year as the head coach at Putnam County High School where she was named Tri Rivers Conference and District Coach of the Year. Callahan also served as a Physical Education and Wellness teacher while at Putnam County. She later moved on to Trinity Catholic High School where she spent two seasons as head women’s basketball coach.

A four-year starting point guard for Missouri Southern State University from 1998-2002, she averaged 6.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game over her collegiate career. She as the Lions all-time career leader in steals (225) and games started. She started every game since her freshman season, a total of 107-straight games. She also ranks second on the school’s career assist charts with 429 assists.

A native of Florissant, Missouri, Callahan earned honorable All-State accolades her senior season at Rosary High School where she led her team to the 1998 3A State Championship. She set the Lady Rebels record for career assists and steals.

In 2002, Callahan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion and Wellness from Missouri Southern. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Leadership and Management at Webster University.

Her duties at Southeast include scouting and recruiting as well as her coaching duties.

“We're extremely pleased to have Jayme join our team, and my staff,” said Coach Ishee. “She has a great passion for women's basketball, she has been both an assistant and a head coach. She will be invaluable to us in knowing and recruiting the St. Louis area and helping in all facets of our program.”