Lockdown defender Jeskeova joins squad

Head coach Molly Miller has led Grand Canyon to ranking as one of the top defenses in the country in each of her three seasons and made a step toward remaining there with the addition of a lockdown defender with an emphasis on defensive rebounding in senior Kristyna Jeskeova to continue that trend into 2023-24.

Jeskeova comes to Phoenix via Long Beach State, where she played four seasons under assistant coach Laura Dinkins, who joined the Lopes as recruiting coordinator/assistant coach after spending the past six seasons on the Beach staff.

"KJ is a long, active forward that plays with an extremely high motor," Miller said. "She is a relentless defender and aggressive offensive rebounder with the ability to guard multiple positions, which is why she is the perfect system fit. Her ability to get in passing lanes and anticipate steals will be dangerous with how we defend.

"She will stretch the floor offensively and will complement our philosophy to push the ball in transition. I can't wait for Lope Nation to see KJ in action and the tough gritty mindset in which see plays."

A native of Jablonec Nad Nisou, Czech Republic, Jeskeova enters with two years of eligibility left. The 6-foot-2 guard appeared in 90 games at Long Beach State, making 44 starts while averaging 3.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game for her career.

Last season, Jeskeova appeared and started in 23 games, averaging 23.9 minutes per contest while shooting 47.9% from the floor and 30.8% from 3-point range. She had a career year for the Beach in which she gathered a career-best 153 rebounds and totaled 23 assists, 20 blocks, 63 steals and 146 points. She led the Big West in steals per game (2.7), aiding Long Beach State's conference-best steals average of11.45. Her defensive efforts earned an All-Big West Defensive Team accolade.

Jeskeova is the fourth offseason signee for Miller and the Lopes, who joins Shay Fano (Utah Valley), and Laura (San Diego) and Sydney Erikstrup (Arizona State). Last season's GCU team had four players who were 6 feet or taller and now bring in four newcomers who exceed or match that height in Jeskeova (6-2), Laura Erikstrup (6-2), Sydney Erikstrup (6-1) and Fano (6-0).

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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