KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State women's basketball head coach Agnus Berenato has announced the hiring of Jania Sims as assistant coach. Sims played for Berenato at the University of Pittsburgh.
 
An All-Big East selection that helped lead the Panthers to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Regional Semifinals, Sims was a four-year starter at Pitt. She comes to Kennesaw State following a one-year stint as the Director of Women's Basketball Operations at Stony Brook University in New York.
 
"I am delighted to have Jania on my staff," said Berenato. "I had a terrific experience recruiting and coaching Jai when she was a student-athlete at Pitt. Her entire playing career was about winning --  from state championships in high schools to Sweet 16's at Pitt. She played four years for me and it's no coincidence we went to four postseason tournaments. Jai was an amazing point guard and was my leader on and off the court. She will use her international playing experience to enhance our fast-paced philosophy on the court. Jai understands our culture and it's an honor to have her on my team again. We've come full circle."
 
Sims was a four-year starter at Pitt, finishing her career fifth in program history in assists (433), third in free-throw percentage (.821), and 17th in scoring (1,101). During her career, the Panthers qualified for three NCAA Tournaments, twice advancing to the Sweet 16. She was a Big East All-Freshman selection in 2006-07 and an All-Big East Honorable Mention selection in 2009-10.
 
"First and foremost, I would like to thank Kennesaw State Athletics and Coach B for giving me this great opportunity as an assistant coach," said Sims. "It's so exciting to be back on the sideline with Coach B, but this time as a coach on her staff. Her passion, leadership, and enthusiasm for the game are unmatched. There's no better person to grow and learn from while doing what I love to do. I look forward to making history with KSU, impacting young women's lives and being a part of something special."
 
After her playing career, Sims spent time as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Shabazz High School, before assuming the head-coaching role her final two seasons. In 2015, the Bulldogs were American Conference co-champions with a 15-9 record and 10-2 conference mark.
 
As a standout prep point guard, Sims guided Shabazz to a 117-9 record in four seasons, finishing her career with over 1,000 points and 500 assists. The Bulldogs were ranked as high as No. 8 by USA Today after a perfect 33-0 season, when Sims was an All-Newark and All-Essex County First Team selection as well as a candidate for New Jersey Miss Basketball. Other accolades for Sims included second team all-state, Watchung Conference Player of the Year and a Star-Ledger All-Star honors.
 
Upon graduation, Sims played two seasons of professional basketball overseas, one with the Solna Vikings in Sweden and the other with New Basket Oberhausen in Germany.

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.   
   

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