Reports: Interesting Stuff As Mayfield H.S. sports star to be inducted into Akron hall of fame

Jodi Kest departed from The University of Akron in April 2018 but will return for one night on October 4 to be inducted into the school’s Varsity “A” Hall of Fame.

“I was thrilled to receive the call,” Kest, who holds the record for the most wins as the women’s basketball coach in Zips’ history, shared with the Cleveland Jewish News from her home in Orlando, Florida. “When I started coaching, it wasn’t about the wins or losses or being inducted into the hall of fame. I did it because of my passion for the game.”

Kest coached for 12 seasons at Akron, finishing with a record of 179-195. After taking over the program in 2006, her 2013-14 team achieved its first Mid-American Conference championship, leading to Akron’s inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance, which was also Kest’s first time coaching in the tournament.

“I feel very fortunate to have had so many amazing players and assistant coaches who worked incredibly hard,” Kest stated. “I reviewed the stats from my 12 years at Akron, and we recruited 10 players who scored over 1,000 points along with a point guard who led the nation in assists. Achieving an award like this is only possible with great people and strong support from the administration.”

Among the members of that NCAA Tournament team was Rachel Tecca, a three-time All-MAC first-team player. Tecca will also be inducted into the hall of fame alongside Kest.

“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” Tecca, who is now living in Beaumont, Texas, shared with the CJN. “It was a wonderful surprise, and going in together with Jodi will make it a very memorable moment for us. I only had one other Division I offer coming out of high school, so for her to recognize my potential and believe in me truly makes her a significant person in my life. She helped all of us reach our full potential.”

Regarding Tecca, Kest remarked, “Being inducted alongside one of the players I recruited, who set numerous records, will make for a wonderful evening.”

This isn’t Kest’s first hall of fame honor. She was a standout athlete at Mayfield High School and is also recognized in the hall of fame at her alma mater, Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.

“Every player I’ve coached has graduated during my time as a head coach,” Kest stated. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked in a profession I truly enjoy. Our success stemmed from the continuity of players returning each year. Nowadays, with the frequency of player transfers, things have changed, and coaches must adapt to new rules.”

Kest achieved 405 wins as a head coach at Akron, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and Gannon University in Pennsylvania.

“When you consider the hall of fame, many don’t realize the sacrifices and commitment involved, whether you’re a coach or a player,” she explained. “You miss many birthdays, weddings, and important events. But in the end, it’s all worthwhile because you’re so grateful to be doing something you love and working with people you care about.”