Former Louisiana State University standout Sheila Boykin is in her first season with the Loyola University Chicago women's basketball program. Boykin, who arrives in Rogers Park following a two-year stay at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), will serve as an assistant coach with the Maroon & Gold.
"I'm jazzed to have Sheila bringing all of her talents from the West Coast here to Chicago," Loyola head women's basketball coach Allison Guth said. "Sheila will be a phenomenal mentor and teacher for our young women. Her playing experience at LSU, coaching experience at the high school, travel, and Division I collegiate levels, and her passion for growing young women holistically is what we are so fortunate to have garnered in her addition to our family."
"I am extremely excited to join the Loyola women's basketball program under the leadership of Coach Guth," Boykin stated. "Loyola is a University that values the experience of the student-athlete, leading with valuing them as human beings first and foremost. I strongly believe in Coach Guth's vision, and I look forward to assisting the coaching staff and our student-athletes in achieving academic and competitive excellence."
During her time at CSUN, Boykin, who was also the Matadors' recruiting coordinator, coached a trio of All-Big West Conference honors. That group included Second Team All-Big West honoree Tess Amundsen and Big West All-Freshman Team selection Kayanna Spriggs.
Prior to her arrival in Northridge, Calif., Boykin broke into the college coaching ranks at San Diego State University, spending two seasons as a graduate assistant. While with the Aztecs, she oversaw opponent practice coverage and coordinated alumni relations and parent outreach. She also served as the team’s liaison for academics and helped facilitate summer camps.
One of the nation's top high school recruits in 2011, Boykin appeared in 113 games during her playing career at LSU. The 2014 recipient of the Eye of the Tiger Award, which is given annually to an LSU student-athlete who overcomes adversity in their life to succeed both in the classroom and in competition, Boykin averaged 5.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists as a senior.
After graduating from LSU in 2015 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, Boykin, who played professionally in both Greece and Turkey, earned a master's degree in homeland security while at CSUN.
