June 8, 2005
MALIBU, Calif. - Pepperdine University Head Women's Basketball Coach Julie Rousseau announced the promotion of Vanessa Nygaard to first assistant and the hiring of Shelley Sheetz and Carlton Oliver Wednesday.
"Vanessa has been rightfully elevated to our prominent assistant coach position," commented Rousseau. "She has exemplified a great knowledge of the game this past season, shown tremendous loyalty and has made important contribution to Pepperdine Women's Basketball and the lives of our student-athletes. Remarkably, Coach Nygaard forfeited the opportunity to play with the WNBA Houston Comets by retiring so that she could assume her coaching duties full-time."
Sheetz comes to Pepperdine after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of San Diego. While a member of the Torero's coaching staff, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native served as the primary recruiting coordinator in addition to coaching the guards, scouting, preseason conditioning and practice planning.
"Shelley joins the Pepperdine Women's Basketball staff for her first season, but is no stranger to the West Coast Conference," noted Rousseau. "A former assistant at the University of San Diego over the last four seasons, she brings a myriad of talent and knowledge to Pepperdine Women's Basketball. We are very excited to have Coach Sheetz as a part of our staff and the work ethic that has made her successful in both her playing career as an All-American at the University of Colorado and professionally in the now defunct ABL."
Oliver joins the Wave coaching staff after spending the previous season as an assistant coach at Hofstra University where his responsibilities included recruiting, scouting opponents, scheduling, community outreach, and serving as the team's academic liaison. Coach Oliver's prep roots stem from the Inland Empire and his professional career included work as a real estate manager with Investment Development Services, Inc. of Los Angeles, for several years before returning to the coaching ranks with the "Pride".
"Carlton is established in the Southern California Area and is extremely excited about his return. He looks forward to rekindling those relationships he enjoyed while here," commented Rousseau. "He brings a great passion for teaching the game of basketball and the academic achievement of each student-athlete.
His knowledge spans from his education and playing opportunities at Rancho Santiago College were he was a member of the California Community College State Champions in 1991. He furthered his education at Oral Roberts University, where he earned his pre-law degree; when he unfortunately suffered a career ending injury. Finally, as an assistant coach at Syracuse University Coach Oliver secured his master's degree while under the guidance of former Head Coach Marianna Freeman.
