Missouri State women’s basketball assistant coach Jackie Stiles will be absent from the sideline for the next several games, beginning with the Jan. 7 contest against UNI, as she undergoes treatment for ocular melanoma.
Stiles’ initial round of treatment will keep her away from the team for at least three games, and a timetable for her return will be become clearer after its completion.
“Thankfully the cancer was caught early and has not spread, and I expect to make a full recovery,” said Stiles, who is the program’s all-time leading scorer and second in NCAA history. “I am grateful for any thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I look forward to speaking publicly about this once I return to the team.”
“Jackie means so much to this program, university and community,” said head coach Kellie Harper. “All of our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie and her family as she begins this treatment. We are confident she will make full recovery and we look forward to having her back with the team.”
