The Denver Nuggets, who are on the verge of winning their first NBA championship, aren’t the only winning basketball team in the Mile High City.
The Metropolitan State University-Denver women’s basketball team is coming off a 16-14 season, and former Ankeny Centennial standout Jackie Pippett has signed a letter of intent to join the Roadrunners’ program.
“I was a little hesitant about going so far away,” said Pippett, who played her first two collegiate seasons at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. “I’ve been fortunate that my parents and siblings have been able to come to almost all of my high school and juco games and now they won’t be able to, but I’m excited for something new and they are looking forward to visiting me in Colorado.”
Pippett, a 6-foot post player, averaged 10.2 points per game with 170 rebounds and 76 steals during her sophomore year with the Trojans. She was a second-team all-ICCAC Division II selection.
“We are excited to welcome Jackie to the Roadrunner family,” said MSU-Denver coach Tanya Haave, who will begin her 14th season at the school. “Jackie fills an important need for us in the post/forward position along with bringing two years of college experience with her. She is a versatile player who can get to the rim, play with her back to the basket, and is now adding a three-point shot to her repertoire.”
Pippett poured in 591 career points, which ranks 36th on NIACC’s all-time list. She also ranks 20th on the career list with 325 rebounds and 39th with 102 steals.
Pippett said she had been talking to a couple of other Division II schools when Haave reached out to her.
“We had a great talk, and they flew me out for a visit,” Pippett said. “l loved the campus and how close it is to lots of cool places like the Ball Arena and Red Rocks. The whole team treated me like family and made me feel like I could make an impact right away. (Haave) is also one of the main reasons I was drawn there. She played at Tennessee and then played ball overseas for 14 years, so she is someone I’m looking forward to growing my game with.”
The Roadrunners went 14-10 last year in the 14-team Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Haave said she thinks Pippett’s athleticism will be a tremendous asset for her team defensively and on the boards.
“These are areas we needed to improve upon from last season,” Haave said. “Her work ethic, attitude and competitive spirit will fit in with our current roster, and we can hardly wait to start coaching her.”