Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The significance of Phoenix Mercury legend Jennifer Gillom’s championship title with Xavier Prep

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Saleh Awwad | Last updated 3/16/24

Former Phoenix Mercury forward/center and current Xavier College Prep Gators head coach Jennifer Gillom helped bring the program its first-ever state title earlier this month.

The Gators (26-4) girls basketball team defeated Desert Vista 60-53 in the Open State Championship.

Phoenix Mercury legend and Xavier Prep Head Coach Jennifer Gillom led the Gator’s to their state title in school history in the top high school basketball open division! Congrats, Jen! pic.twitter.com/3FQt9QXlEw

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) March 15, 2024

Gillom spent six seasons with the Mercury from 1997-2002 and started her career on a historic path. After representing the country for several years on the court, she was selected by Phoenix in the 1997 WNBA Allocation Draft.

The Ole Miss product made the All-WNBA First Team in 1998 and finished second in MVP voting.

After ending her playing career with the Los Angeles Sparks, Gillom took on coaching. She first coached Xavier Prep in 2004, before earning a coaching job with the Minnesota Lynx and later the Sparks. Gillom has also coached the USA National team.

Gillom has previously been named to both the Arizona Sports and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

This championship title is huge for the Gators as they have appeared in four championship games prior but fell short each time.

They can now be referred to as the best team in Arizona. Gillom continues to build her mesmerizing basketball resume with yet another great achievement.

2024 AIA Girls Basketball Open State Championship Section 7. #Section7 | #TheFutureAwaits pic.twitter.com/PUt6adSGV1

— Section 7 (@Section7Az) March 3, 2024