San Francisco, Calif. (11/10/08) -- This Thursday, November 13th, Academy of Art University will commence its very first Women's Basketball season. The Urban Knights take on William Jessup University in an exhibition game at Kezar Pavilion at 7:30 pm. A member of the Pacific West Conference, AAU enters play riding the momentum of the school's inaugural athletics season.
In existence since 1929, Academy of Art University initiated its athletics program this year under the leadership of Athletic Director, Dr. Jamie Williams. Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki, a former WNBA guard and Stanford University stand-out, takes the reins of an Urban Knights team that boasts two freshmen, two sophomores, five juniors, and one senior. The roster is composed of several upperclassmen including junior point guard Sondra Stilwell, a three-time All-Conference player in high school, and senior small forward Levalasi Key-Tupou, a two-sport athlete (basketball and volleyball) at AAU.
On Thursday evening, Academy of Art University welcomes the William Jessup University Warriors of the Golden State Athletic Conference to Kezar Pavilion. The Urban Knights will finish their season with a second game against the Warriors on February 21st, 2009 in Rocklin, California. Looking at the upcoming year, Coach Yamasaki is excited for her players to begin this unique learning experience that weds both art and athletics.
"The most important thing a person can learn during their time at AAU is how they can impact others,” Coach Yamasaki said.
“Through art, through competitive sports, through friendships, if a student athlete can learn how to step out of themselves for a moment to make a difference in someone else's life, they have learned an invaluable trait.”
